Display device

ABSTRACT

A display device includes a bank defining an emission area; a first passage in which a first light emitting element is disposed in the emission area; a second passage in which a second light emitting element is disposed in the emission area; a third passage in which a third light emitting element is disposed in the emission area; and a fourth passage in which a fourth light emitting element is disposed in the emission area, wherein the emission area has a rectangular shape comprising a first side extending in a first direction and a second side extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction and having a length longer than the first side, and the first passage, the second passage, the third passage, and the fourth passage are spaced apart from each other, and each extends in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and benefits of Korean PatentApplication No. 10-2022-0060247 under 35 U.S.C. 119, filed on May 17,2022 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), the entirecontents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND 1. Technical Field

The disclosure relates to a display device.

2. Description of the Related Art

The importance of display devices has steadily increased with thedevelopment of multimedia technology. In response thereto, various typesof display devices such as an organic light emitting display (OLED), aliquid crystal display (LCD) and the like have been used.

A display device is a device that displays an image, and includes adisplay panel, such as an organic light emitting display panel or aliquid crystal display panel. The light emitting display panel mayinclude light emitting elements, e.g., light emitting diodes (LED), andexamples of the light emitting diode include an organic light emittingdiode (OLED) using an organic material as a fluorescent material and aninorganic light emitting diode using an inorganic material as afluorescent material.

An inorganic light emitting diode using an inorganic semiconductor as afluorescent material has an advantage in that it has durability even ina high temperature environment, and has higher efficiency of blue lightthan an organic light emitting diode.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the disclosure provide a display device with improvedlighting efficiency of pixels.

However, aspects of the disclosure are not restricted to the one setforth herein. The above and other aspects of the disclosure will becomemore apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art to which thedisclosure pertains by referencing the detailed description of thedisclosure given below.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a display device includes,an external bank disposed on a substrate and defining an emission area;a first passage in which a first light emitting element is disposed inthe emission area; a second passage in which a second light emittingelement is disposed in the emission area; a third passage in which athird light emitting element is disposed in the emission area; and afourth passage in which a fourth light emitting element is disposed inthe emission area. The emission area has a rectangular shape including afirst side extending in a first direction and a second side extending ina second direction intersecting the first direction and having a lengthlonger than the first side, and the first passage, the second passage,the third passage, and the fourth passage are spaced apart from eachother, and each extends in a third direction intersecting the firstdirection and the second direction.

In an embodiment, a length of each of the first passage, the secondpassage, the third passage, and the fourth passage may be substantiallyequal to or greater than one half of a length of the second side of theemission area.

In an embodiment, the length of each of the first passage, the secondpassage, the third passage, and the fourth passage may be substantiallyequal to or greater than about 44 μm.

In an embodiment, each of the first light emitting element, the secondlight emitting element, the third light emitting element and the fourthlight emitting element may include an end having a first polarity; andanother end having a second polarity different from the first polarity,and the another end of the first light emitting element may beelectrically connected to one end of the second light emitting element,the another end of the second light emitting element may be electricallyconnected to the end of the third light emitting element, and theanother end of the third light emitting element may be electricallyconnected to the end of the fourth light emitting element.

In an embodiment, a display device may further include an alignmentelectrode disposed between the substrate and the bank. The alignmentelectrode may include a first alignment electrode on which the end ofthe first light emitting element and the end of the second lightemitting element are disposed; a second alignment electrode on which theanother end of the first light emitting element, the another end of thesecond light emitting element, the another end of the third lightemitting element, and the another end of the fourth light emittingelement may be disposed; and a third alignment electrode on which theanother end of the third light emitting element and the another end ofthe fourth light emitting element may be disposed. The first alignmentelectrode, the second alignment electrode, and the third alignmentelectrode may be spaced apart from each other, and each may extend inthe third direction in the emission area, and the first light emittingelement, the second light emitting element, the third light emittingelement and the fourth light emitting element are spaced apart from eachother.

In an embodiment, a display device may further include a circuit elementlayer disposed between the substrate and the alignment electrode. Thefirst alignment electrode may be electrically connected to the circuitelement layer to receive a first voltage, and the second alignmentelectrode may be electrically connected to the circuit element layer andmay receive a second voltage.

In an embodiment, a display device may further include a firstconnection electrode electrically connected to the first alignmentelectrode and supplying the first voltage to the end of the first lightemitting element; a second connection electrode that electricallyconnects the another end of the first light emitting element with theend of the second light emitting element; a third connection electrodethat electrically connects the another end of the second light emittingelement with the end of the third light emitting element; a fourthconnection electrode that electrically connects the another end of thethird light emitting element with the end of the fourth light emittingelement; and a fifth connection electrode electrically connected to thesecond alignment electrode and supplying the second voltage to theanother end of the fourth light emitting element. The first connectionelectrode, the second connection electrode, the third connectionelectrode, the fourth connection electrode, and the fifth connectionelectrode may be each spaced apart from each other.

In an embodiment, the second connection electrode may include a firstportion disposed on the another end of the first light emitting element;a second portion disposed on the end of the second light emittingelement; and a first connection portion that connects the first portionwith the second portion. The fourth connection electrode may include athird portion disposed on the end of the third light emitting element; afourth portion disposed on the another end of the fourth light emittingelement; and a second connection portion that connects the third portionwith the fourth portion. The first connection portion may pass through aseparation space between the first passage and the second passage, andthe second connection portion may pass through a separation spacebetween the third passage and the fourth passage.

In an embodiment, the first alignment electrode and the circuit elementlayer may be electrically connected through a first contact hole thatdoes not overlap the emission area in plan view, the second alignmentelectrode and the circuit element layer may be electrically connectedthrough a second contact hole that does not overlap the emission area inplan view, the first connection electrode and the first alignmentelectrode may be electrically connected through a third contact holethat does not overlap the emission area in plan view, and the fifthconnection electrode and the second alignment electrode may beelectrically connected through a fourth contact hole that does notoverlap the emission area in plan view.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a display device includesa bank disposed on a substrate and defining an emission area; a firstpassage in which a first light emitting element is disposed in theemission area; a second passage in which a second light emitting elementis disposed in the emission area; a third passage in which a third lightemitting element is disposed in the emission area; and a fourth passagein which a fourth light emitting element is disposed in the emissionarea. The emission area has a rectangular shape including a first sideextending in a first direction and a second side extending in a seconddirection intersecting the first direction and having a length longerthan the first side, and the first passage, the second passage, thethird passage, and the fourth passage are spaced apart from each other,each of the first passage and the third passage extends in a thirddirection intersecting the first direction and the second direction, andeach of the second passage and the fourth passage extends in a fourthdirection intersecting the first direction, the second direction, andthe third direction.

In an embodiment, a length of each of the first passage, the secondpassage, the third passage, and the fourth passage may be substantiallyequal to or greater than one half of a length of the second side of theemission area.

In an embodiment, the length of each of the first passage, the secondpassage, the third passage, and the fourth passage may be substantiallyequal to or greater than about 44 μm.

In an embodiment, each of the first light emitting element, the secondlight emitting element, the third light emitting element and the fourthlight emitting element may include an end having a first polarity; andanother end having a second polarity different from the first polarity,and the another end of the first light emitting element may beelectrically connected to the end of the second light emitting element,the another end of the second light emitting element may be electricallyconnected to one end of the third light emitting element, and the otherend of the third light emitting element may be electrically connected tothe end of the fourth light emitting element.

In an embodiment, a display device may further include an alignmentelectrode disposed between the substrate and the external bank. Thealignment electrode may include a first alignment electrode on which theend of the first light emitting element and the end of the second lightemitting element are disposed; a second alignment electrode on which theanother end of the first light emitting element and the another end ofthe second light emitting element are disposed; a third alignmentelectrode on which the end of the third light emitting element and theend of the fourth light emitting element are disposed; and a fourthalignment electrode on which the another end of the third light emittingelement and the another end of the fourth light emitting element aredisposed. The first alignment electrode, the second alignment electrode,the third alignment electrode, and the fourth alignment electrode may bespaced apart from each other.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a display device includesa bank disposed on a substrate and defining an emission area; a firstpassage in which a first light emitting element is disposed in theemission area; a second passage in which a second light emitting elementis disposed in the emission area; a third passage in which a third lightemitting element is disposed in the emission area; and a fourth passagein which a fourth light emitting element is disposed in the emissionarea. The emission area has a rectangular shape including a first sideextending in a first direction and a second side extending in a seconddirection intersecting the first direction and having a length longerthan the first side, and the first passage, the second passage, thethird passage, and the fourth passage each have a shape curved at leastonce, and are spaced apart from each other.

In an embodiment, a length of each of the first passage, the secondpassage, the third passage, and the fourth passage may be substantiallyequal to or greater than one half of a length of the second side of theemission area.

In an embodiment, the length of each of the first passage, the secondpassage, the third passage, and the fourth passage may be substantiallyequal to or greater than about 44 μm.

In an embodiment, each of the first light emitting element, the secondlight emitting element, the third light emitting element and the fourthlight emitting element may include an end having a first polarity; andanother end having a second polarity different from the first polarity,and the another end of the first light emitting element may beelectrically connected to the end of the second light emitting element,the another end of the second light emitting element may be electricallyconnected to the end of the third light emitting element, and theanother end of the third light emitting element may be electricallyconnected to one end of the fourth light emitting element.

In an embodiment, a display device may further include an alignmentelectrode disposed between the substrate and the bank. The alignmentelectrode may include a first alignment electrode on which the end ofthe first light emitting element and the end of the second lightemitting element may be disposed; a second alignment electrode on whichthe another end of the first light emitting element and the another endof the second light emitting element may be disposed; a third alignmentelectrode on which the end of the third light emitting element and theend of the fourth light emitting element may be disposed; and a fourthalignment electrode on which the another end of the third light emittingelement and the another end of the fourth light emitting element may bedisposed. The first alignment electrode, the second alignment electrode,the third alignment electrode, and the fourth alignment electrode may bespaced apart from each other.

In an embodiment, the first passage and the second passage may bedisposed in a separation space between the first alignment electrode andthe second alignment electrode, and the third passage and the fourthpassage may be disposed in a separation space between the secondalignment electrode and the third alignment electrode.

In the display device according to an embodiment, lighting efficiency ofpixels may be improved.

However, the effects of the disclosure are not limited to theaforementioned effects, and various other effects are included in thedisclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects and features of the disclosure will becomemore apparent by describing in detail embodiments thereof with referenceto the attached drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a display device according to anembodiment;

FIG. 2 is a schematic layout view illustrating a plurality of wires of adisplay device according to an embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an equivalent circuit of a pixel of adisplay device according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view illustrating a structure of a pixel of adisplay device according to an embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a schematic structural diagram of the light emitting elementof FIG. 4 ;

FIG. 6 is a schematic enlarged view of area A of FIG. 4 ;

FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view illustrating the disposition of thealignment electrode of FIG. 6 ;

FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view illustrating the disposition of theconnection electrode and the light emitting element of FIG. 6 ;

FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a cross sectiontaken along line X1-X1′ of FIG. 6 ;

FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a cross sectiontaken along line X2-X2′ of FIG. 6 ;

FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a cross sectiontaken along line X3-X3′ of FIG. 6 ;

FIG. 12 is a schematic plan view illustrating a structure of a pixel ofa display device according to another embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view illustrating the disposition of thealignment electrode of FIG. 12 ;

FIG. 14 is a schematic plan view illustrating the disposition of theconnection electrode and the light emitting element of FIG. 12 ;

FIG. 15 is a schematic plan view illustrating a structure of a pixel ofa display device according to yet another embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a schematic plan view illustrating the disposition of thealignment electrode of FIG. 15 ;

FIG. 17 is a schematic plan view illustrating the disposition of theconnection electrode and the light emitting element of FIG. 15 ;

FIG. 18 is a schematic plan view illustrating a structure of a pixel ofa display device according to yet another embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a schematic plan view illustrating the disposition of thealignment electrode of FIG. 18 ; and

FIG. 20 is a schematic plan view illustrating the disposition of theconnection electrode and the light emitting element of FIG. 18 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of thedisclosure are shown. This disclosure may, however, be embodied indifferent forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided sothat this disclosure will be more thorough and complete, and will conveythe scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.

The same reference numbers indicate the same components throughout thespecification. When an element, such as a layer, is referred to as being“on,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it maybe directly on, connected to, or coupled to the other element or layeror intervening elements or layers may be present. When, however, anelement or layer is referred to as being “directly on,” “directlyconnected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, thereare no intervening elements or layers present. To this end, the term“connected” may refer to physical, electrical, and/or fluid connection,with or without intervening elements. It may also be understood that ifone part and another part are connected, they may be integral with eachother.

It will be understood that, although the terms “first,” “second,” andthe like may be used herein to describe various elements, these elementsshould not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used todistinguish one element from another element. For instance, a firstelement discussed below could be termed a second element withoutdeparting from the teachings of the disclosure. Similarly, the secondelement could also be termed the first element.

Features of each of various embodiments of the disclosure may bepartially or entirely combined with each other and may technicallyvariously interwork with each other, and respective embodiments may beimplemented independently of each other or may be implemented togetherin association with each other.

Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “under,” “lower,”“on,” “above,” “upper,” “over,” “higher,” “side” (e.g., as in“sidewall”), and the like, may be used herein for descriptive purposes,and, thereby, to describe one elements relationship to anotherelement(s) as illustrated in the drawings. Spatially relative terms areintended to encompass different orientations of an apparatus in use,operation, and/or manufacture in addition to the orientation depicted inthe drawings. For example, if the apparatus in the drawings is turnedover, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements orfeatures would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features.Thus, the term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above andbelow. Furthermore, the apparatus may be otherwise oriented (e.g.,rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and, as such, thespatially relative descriptors used herein should be interpretedaccordingly.

When an element, such as a layer, is referred to as being “on,”“connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may bedirectly on, connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer orintervening elements or layers may be present. When, however, an elementor layer is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,”or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there are nointervening elements or layers present. To this end, the term“connected” may refer to physical, electrical, and/or fluid connection,with or without intervening elements.

The term “about” or “approximately” as used herein is inclusive of thestated value and means within an acceptable range of deviation for theparticular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art,considering the measurement in question and the error associated withmeasurement of the particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of themeasurement system). For example, “about” may mean within one or morestandard deviations, or within ±30%, 20%, 10%, 5% of the stated value.

The term “and/or” includes all combinations of one or more of whichassociated configurations may define. For example, “A and/or B” may beunderstood to mean “A, B, or A and B.”

For the purposes of this disclosure, the phrase “at least one of A andB” may be construed as A only, B only, or any combination of A and B.Also, “at least one of X, Y, and Z” and “at least one selected from thegroup consisting of X, Y, and Z” may be construed as X only, Y only, Zonly, or any combination of two or more of X, Y, and Z.

Hereinafter, illustrative embodiments will be described in detail withreference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a display device according to anembodiment.

A first direction DR1, a second direction DR2, and a third direction DR3are defined as shown in FIG. 1 . The first direction DR1 and the seconddirection DR2 may be perpendicular to each other, the first directionDR1 and the third direction DR3 may be perpendicular to each other, andthe second direction DR2 and the third direction DR3 may beperpendicular to each other. It may be understood that the firstdirection DR1 refers to a horizontal direction in the drawing, thesecond direction DR2 refers to a vertical direction in the drawing, andthe third direction DR3 refers to an upward and downward direction(e.g., a thickness direction) in the drawing.

In the following specification, unless otherwise stated, “direction” mayrefer to both of directions extending in the direction. Further, when itis necessary to distinguish both “directions” extending in both sides, aside will be referred to as “one side in the direction” and the otherside will be referred to as “the other side in the direction.” Referringto FIG. 1 , a direction in which an arrow is directed is referred to asone side, and the opposite direction is referred to as the other side.

Hereinafter, for simplicity of description, in referring to a displaydevice 1 or the surfaces of each member constituting the display device1, one surface facing to one side in the direction in which an image isdisplayed, for example, the third direction DR3 is referred to as a topsurface, and the opposite surface of the surface is referred to as abottom surface. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and thesurface and the other surface of the member may be referred to as afront surface and a rear surface, respectively, or may also be referredto as a first surface or a second surface. In addition, in describingthe relative position of each of the members of the display device 1,one side in the third direction DR3 may be referred to as an upper sideand the other side in the third direction DR3 may be referred to as alower side.

Referring to FIG. 1 , a display device 1 may display a moving image or astill image. The display device 1 may refer to any electronic deviceproviding a display screen. Examples of the display device 1 may includea television, a laptop computer, a monitor, a billboard, an Internet ofthings (IoT) device, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet personalcomputer (PC), an electronic watch, a smartwatch, a watch phone, ahead-mounted display, a mobile communication terminal, an electronicnotebook, an e-book reader, a portable multimedia player (PMP), anavigation device, a game machine, a digital camera, a camcorder and thelike, which provide a display screen.

The display device 1 may include a display panel which provides adisplay screen. Examples of the display panel may include an inorganiclight emitting diode display panel, an organic light emitting displaypanel, a quantum dot light emitting display panel, a plasma displaypanel and a field emission display panel. In the following description,a case where an inorganic light emitting diode display panel is appliedas a display panel will be exemplified, but the disclosure is notlimited thereto, and other display panels may be applied within the samescope of technical spirit.

The shape of the display device 1 may be variously modified. Forexample, the display device 1 may have a shape such as a rectangularshape elongated in a horizontal direction, a rectangular shape elongatedin a vertical direction, a square shape, a quadrilateral shape withrounded corners (vertices), other polygonal shapes, and a circularshape. The shape of a display area DA of the display device 1 may alsobe similar to the overall shape of the display device 1. FIG. 1illustrates the display device 1 having a rectangular shape elongated ina second direction DR2.

The display device 1 may include the display area DA and a non-displayarea NDA. The display area DA is an area where an image can bedisplayed, and the non-display area NDA is an area where an image is notdisplayed. The display area DA may also be referred to as an activeregion, and the non-display area NDA may also be referred to as anon-active region. The display area DA may substantially occupy thecenter of the display device 1.

The display area DA may include pixels PX. The pixels PX may be arrangedin a matrix. The shape of each pixel PX may be a rectangular or squareshape in plan view. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, andit may be a rhombic shape in which each side is inclined with respect toa direction. The pixels PX may be arranged in a stripe type or an islandtype. Each of the pixels PX may include one or more light emittingelements that emit light of a specific wavelength band to display aspecific color.

The non-display area NDA may be disposed around the display area DA. Thenon-display area NDA may completely or partially surround the displayarea DA. The display area DA may have a rectangular shape, and thenon-display area NDA may be disposed adjacent to four sides of thedisplay area DA. The non-display area NDA may form or include a bezel ofthe display device 1. Wires or circuit drivers included in the displaydevice 1 may be disposed in the non-display area NDA, or externaldevices may be mounted thereon.

FIG. 2 is a schematic layout view illustrating wires of a display deviceaccording to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 2 , the display device 1 may include wires. Thedisplay device 1 may include scan lines SL (SL1, SL2, and SL3), datalines DTL (DTL1, DTL2, and DTL3), an initialization voltage line VIL,and voltage lines VL (VL1, VL2, VL3, and VL4). Although not shown in thedrawing, other wires may be further provided in the display device 1.The wires may include wires formed as (or formed of) a first conductivelayer and extending in a first direction DR1, and wires formed as athird conductive layer and extending in the second direction DR2.However, the extension directions of the wires are not limited thereto.

The first scan line SL1 and the second scan line SL2 may be disposed toextend in the second direction DR2. The first scan line SL1 and thesecond scan line SL2 may be disposed adjacent to each other, and may bedisposed to be spaced apart from another first scan line SL1 and anothersecond scan line SL2 in the first direction DR1. The first scan line SL1and the second scan line SL2 may be connected to a scan line pad WPD_SCconnected to a scan driver (not illustrated). The first scan line SL1and the second scan line SL2 may be disposed to extend from a pad areaPDA, disposed in the non-display area NDA, to the display area DA.

The third scan line SL3 may be disposed to extend in the seconddirection DR2, and may be disposed to be spaced apart from another thirdscan line SL3 in the first direction DR1. A third scan line SL3 may beconnected to one or more first scan lines SL1 or one or more second scanlines SL2. The scan lines SL may have a mesh structure in the entiresurface of the display area DA, but the disclosure is not limitedthereto.

The data lines DTL may be disposed to extend in the first direction DR1.The data line DTL may include a first data line DTL1, a second data lineDTL2, and a third data line DTL3, and each one of the first to thirddata lines DTL1, DTL2, and DTL3 may form a pair and may be disposedadjacent to each other. Each of the data lines DTL1, DTL2, and DTL3 maybe disposed to extend from the pad area PDA disposed in the non-displayarea NDA to the display area DA. However, the disclosure is not limitedthereto, and the data lines DTL may be spaced apart from each other atsubstantially equal intervals between a first voltage line VL1 and asecond voltage line VL2 to be described below.

The initialization voltage line VIL may be disposed to extend in thefirst direction DR1. The initialization voltage line VIL may be disposedbetween the data lines DTL and the first voltage line VL1. Theinitialization voltage line VIL may be disposed to extend from the padarea PDA disposed in the non-display area NDA to the display area DA.

The first voltage line VL1 and the second voltage line VL2 may bedisposed to extend in the second direction DR2, and the third voltageline VL3 and the fourth voltage line VL4 may be disposed to extend inthe second direction DR1. The first voltage line VL1 and the secondvoltage line VL2 may be alternately disposed in the first direction DR1,and the third voltage line VL3 and the fourth voltage line VL4 may bealternately disposed in the second direction DR2. The third voltage lineVL3 and the fourth voltage line VL4 may be disposed to extend in thefirst direction DR1 to cross (or intersect) the display area DA, and asfor the first voltage line VL1 and the second voltage line VL2, some ofthe wires may be disposed in the display area DA and other wires may bedisposed in the non-display area NDA positioned on sides of the displayarea DA in the first direction DR1. The first voltage line VL1 and thesecond voltage line VL2 may be formed as the first conductive layer, andthe third voltage line VL3 and the fourth voltage line VL4 may be formedas the third conductive layer disposed on a layer different from thefirst conductive layer. The first voltage line VL1 may be connected toat least one third voltage line VL3, the second voltage line VL2 may beconnected to at least one fourth voltage line VL4, and the voltage linesVL may have a mesh structure in the entire display area DA. However, thedisclosure is not limited thereto.

The first scan line SL1, the second scan line SL2, the data line DTL,the initialization voltage line VIL, the first voltage line VL1, and thesecond voltage line VL2 may be electrically connected to at least oneline pad WPD. Each line pad WPD may be disposed in the non-display areaNDA. In an embodiment, each of the line pads WPD may be disposed in thepad area PDA positioned on a lower side, which is another side of thedisplay area DA in the second direction DR2. The first scan line SL1 andthe second scan line SL2 may be connected to the scan line pad WPD_SCdisposed in the pad area PDA, and the data lines DTL may be connected todata line pads WPD_DT different from each other, respectively. Theinitialization voltage line VIL may be connected to an initializationline pad WPD_Vint, the first voltage line VL1 may be connected to afirst voltage line pad WPD_VL1, and the second voltage line VL2 isconnected to a second voltage line pad WPD_VL2. The external devices maybe mounted on the line pads WPD. The external devices may be mounted onthe line pads WPD by applying an anisotropic conductive film, ultrasonicbonding or the like. FIG. 2 illustrates as an example that each of theline pads WPD is disposed on the pad area PDA disposed on the lower sideof the display area DA, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. Someof the line pads WPD may be disposed in an area on the upper side or onthe left and right sides of the display area DA.

Each pixel PX or sub-pixel SPXn (where n is an integer of about 1 toabout 3) of the display device 1 may include a pixel driving circuit.The above-described wires may pass through each pixel PX or the vicinitythereof to apply a driving signal to each pixel driving circuit. Thepixel driving circuit may include transistors and capacitors. The numberof the transistors and the capacitors of each pixel driving circuit maybe variously modified. According to an embodiment, in each sub-pixelSPXn of the display device 1, the pixel driving circuit may have a 3T1Cstructure including three transistors and one capacitor. Hereinafter,the pixel driving circuit of the 3T1C structure will be described as anexample, but the disclosure is not limited thereto, and various othermodified structures such as a 2T1C structure, a 7T1C structure, and a6T1C structure may be applied.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an equivalent circuit of a pixel of adisplay device according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 3 , each sub-pixel SPXn of the display device 1according to an embodiment may include three transistors T1, T2 and T3and one storage capacitor Cst in addition to a light emitting diode EL.

The light emitting diode EL may emit light by a current supplied througha first transistor T1. The light emitting diode EL may include a firstelectrode, a second electrode, and at least one light emitting elementdisposed between them. The light emitting element may emit light of aspecific wavelength band by electrical signals transmitted from thefirst electrode and the second electrode.

An end of the light emitting diode EL may be connected to a sourceelectrode of the first transistor T1, and another end thereof may beconnected to the second voltage line VL2 to which a low-potentialvoltage (hereinafter a second power voltage) lower than a high-potentialvoltage (hereinafter a first power voltage) of the first voltage lineVL1 is supplied.

The first transistor T1 may adjust a current flowing from the firstvoltage line VL1, to which the first power voltage is supplied, to thelight emitting diode EL according to the voltage difference between agate electrode and the source electrode. For example, the firsttransistor T1 may be a driving transistor for driving the light emittingdiode EL. The gate electrode of the first transistor T1 may be connectedto a source electrode of the second transistor T2, the source electrodeof the first transistor T1 may be connected to the first electrode ofthe light emitting diode EL, and a drain electrode of the firsttransistor T1 may be connected to the first voltage line VL1 to whichthe first power voltage is applied.

The second transistor T2 may be turned on by a scan signal from the scanline SL to connect the data line DTL to the gate electrode of the firsttransistor T1. A gate electrode of the second transistor T2 may beconnected to the scan line SL, a source electrode thereof may beconnected to the gate electrode of the first transistor T1, and a drainelectrode thereof may be connected to the data line DTL.

The third transistor T3 may be turned on by a scan signal from the scanline SL to connect the initialization voltage line VIL to an end of thelight emitting diode EL. A gate electrode of the third transistor T3 maybe connected to the scan line SL, a drain electrode thereof may beconnected to the initialization voltage line VIL, and a source electrodethereof may be connected to the end of the light emitting diode EL or tothe source electrode of the first transistor T1.

In an embodiment, the source electrode and the drain electrode of eachof the transistors T1, T2, and T3 are not limited to those describedabove, and vice versa. Each of the transistors T1, T2, and T3 may beformed as a thin-film transistor. In FIG. 3 , each of the transistorsT1, T2, and T3 has been illustrated as being formed as an N-type metaloxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET), but the disclosureis not limited thereto. For example, each of the transistors T1, T2, andT3 may be formed as a P-type MOSFET. As another example, some of thetransistors T1, T2, and T3 may be formed as an N-type MOSFET and theothers may be formed as a P-type MOSFET.

The storage capacitor Cst may be formed between the gate electrode andthe source electrode of the first transistor T1. The storage capacitorCst may store a difference voltage between a gate voltage and a sourcevoltage of the first transistor T1.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3 , the gate electrode of the secondtransistor T2 may be connected to the scan line SL1, and the gateelectrode of the third transistor T3 may be connected to the scan lineSL2. In other words, the second transistor T2 and the third transistorT3 may be turned on in response to a scan signal applied from a samescan line. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and thesecond transistor T2 and the third transistor T3 may be connected todifferent scan lines to be turned on in response to scan signals appliedfrom different scan lines.

Hereinafter, a structure of the pixel PX of the display device 1according to an embodiment will be described.

FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view illustrating a structure of a pixel of adisplay device according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematicstructural diagram of the light emitting element of FIG. 4 .

FIG. 4 illustrates a planar disposition of alignment electrodes RME, abank or external bank BNL (hereinafter “external bank”), light emittingelements ED, and a connection electrode CNE disposed in a pixel PX ofthe display device 1.

In FIG. 4 , a fourth direction DR4 is additionally defined. The fourthdirection DR4 may refer to an oblique direction passing between thefirst direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. With reference to FIG.4 , one side in the fourth direction DR4 may refer to a directionbetween one side in the second direction DR2 and the other side in thefirst direction DR1, and the other side in the fourth direction DR4 mayrefer to a direction between the other side in the second direction DR2and one side in the first direction DR1. The fourth direction DR4 may bea direction on a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the seconddirection DR2, and may be perpendicular to the third direction DR3.

Referring to FIG. 4 , each of the pixels PX of the display device 1 mayinclude sub-pixels SPXn. For example, a pixel PX may include a firstsub-pixel SPX1, a second sub-pixel SPX2, and a third sub-pixel SPX3. Thefirst sub-pixel SPX1 may emit light of a first color, the secondsub-pixel SPX2 may emit light of a second color, and the third sub-pixelSPX3 may emit light of a third color. For example, the first color maybe blue, the second color may be green, and the third color may be red.However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the sub-pixels SPXnmay emit light of a same color. In an embodiment, each of the sub-pixelsSPXn may emit blue light. Although FIG. 4 illustrates that a pixel PXincludes three sub-pixels SPXn, the disclosure is not limited thereto,and the pixel PX may include a larger number of sub-pixels SPXn.

Each sub-pixel SPXn of the display device 1 may include an emission areaEMA and a non-emission area. The emission area EMA may be an area inwhich the light emitting element ED is disposed to emit light of aspecific wavelength band. The non-emission area may be an area in whichthe light emitting element ED is not disposed and from which light isnot emitted because light emitted from the light emitting element EDdoes not reach the area.

The emission area EMA may be defined by the external bank BNL. In otherwords, the emission area EMA may be a space surrounded by the externalbank BNL. The emission area EMA may have a rectangular shape including ashort side in the first direction DR1 and a long side in the seconddirection DR2. This may be for facilitating ejection of the lightemitting element ED using inkjet printing. A detailed description of theshape of the emission area EMA will be provided below.

The emission area EMA may include a region in which the light emittingelement ED is disposed, and a region which is adjacent to the lightemitting element ED and from which the lights emitted from the lightemitting element ED are emitted. For example, the emission area EMA mayfurther include a region in which the light emitted from the lightemitting element ED is reflected or refracted by another member andemitted. The light emitting elements ED may be disposed in eachsub-pixel SPXn, and the emission area EMA may be formed to include anarea where the light emitting elements ED are disposed and an areaadjacent thereto.

Although it is shown in the drawing that the sub-pixels SPXn have theemission areas EMA that are substantially identical in size, thedisclosure is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the emissionareas EMA of the sub-pixels SPXn may have different sizes according to acolor or wavelength band of light emitted from the light emittingelement ED disposed in each sub-pixel SPXn.

Each sub-pixel SPXn may further include a sub-region SA disposed in thenon-emission area. The sub-region SA may be a divided area according tothe disposition of the alignment electrodes RME. The sub-region SA maybe disposed on a side and the other side in the second direction DR2 inthe emission area EMA. The emission areas EMA may be alternatelyarranged in the first direction DR1, and the sub-region SA may extend inthe first direction DR1. Each of emission areas EMA and the sub-regionsSA may be repeatedly disposed in the second direction DR2. Each of theemission areas EMA may be disposed between the sub-regions SA.

The sub-region SA may be a region shared by the sub-pixels SPXn adjacentto each other in the first direction DR1. For example, the firstsub-pixel SPX1, the second sub-pixel SPX2, and the third sub-pixel SPX3may share the sub-region SA. The sub-region SA may be a region shared bythe sub-pixels SPXn adjacent to each other in the second direction DR2.For example, the sub-regions SA disposed on sides of an external bankBNL in the second direction DR2 illustrated in FIG. 4 may be shared bythe sub-pixel SPXn illustrated in the drawing and the sub-pixels SPXnnot illustrated in the drawing and adjacent to each other in the seconddirection DR2.

Light may not be emitted from the sub-region SA because the lightemitting element ED is not disposed in the sub-region SA, but a portionof an alignment electrode RME disposed in each sub-pixel SPXn may bepartially disposed in the sub-region SA. The alignment electrodes RMEdisposed in different sub-pixels SPXn may be disposed to be separated ata separation portion ROP of the sub-region SA.

Alignment electrodes RME and the connection electrodes CNE are disposedin each sub-pixel SPXn in a shape extending in the fourth direction DR4.

The alignment electrode RME may include a first alignment electrodeRME1, a second alignment electrode RME2, and a third alignment electrodeRME3. The first alignment electrode RME1, the second alignment electrodeRME2, and the third alignment electrode RME3 may be disposed to bespaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1. The alignmentelectrodes RME may include passages EDA1, EDA2, EDA3, and EDA4 (see FIG.7 ) spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1, in whichthe light emitting element ED is disposed. A detailed description of thealignment electrodes RME will be described below.

The second alignment electrode RME2 may be disposed between the firstalignment electrode RME1 and the third alignment electrode RME3. Thesecond alignment electrode RME2 may extend through a central portion ofthe emission area EMA, the first alignment electrode RME1 may bedisposed on another side of the second alignment electrode RME2 in thefirst direction DR1, and the third alignment electrode RME3 may bedisposed on a side of the second alignment electrode RME2 in the firstdirection DR1.

The first alignment electrode RME1 and the second alignment electrodeRME2 may be electrically connected to a circuit element layer to bedescribed below through a contact hole penetrating the external bankBNL. The first alignment electrode RME1 may be electrically connected toa circuit element layer disposed under the external bank BNL through afirst electrode contact hole CTD that does not overlap the emission areaEMA, and the second alignment electrode RME2 may be electricallyconnected to a circuit element layer disposed under the external bankBNL through a second electrode contact hole CTS that does not overlapthe emission area EMA (see FIG. 9 ).

In some embodiments, the third alignment electrode RME3 may not beelectrically connected to a circuit element layer, but the disclosure isnot limited thereto. For example, the third alignment electrode RME3 mayalso be electrically connected to the circuit element layer through acontact hole penetrating the external bank BNL. FIG. 4 illustrates thatthe third alignment electrode RME3 is not electrically connected to acircuit element layer.

The light emitting elements ED may be disposed on the alignmentelectrode RME.

Referring to FIG. 5 , the light emitting element ED may be a lightemitting diode. The light emitting element ED may be an inorganic lightemitting diode that has a nanometer or micrometer size, and is made ofan inorganic material. The light emitting element ED may be alignedbetween two electrodes having polarity in case that an electric field isformed in a specific direction between the two electrodes facing eachother.

The light emitting element ED according to an embodiment may have ashape elongated in a direction. The light emitting element ED may have ashape of a cylinder, a rod, a wire, a tube, or the like. However, theshape of the light emitting element ED is not limited thereto, and thelight emitting element ED may have a polygonal prism shape such as aregular cube, a rectangular parallelepiped and a hexagonal prism, or mayhave various shapes such as a shape elongated in a direction and havingan outer surface partially inclined.

The light emitting element ED may include a semiconductor layer dopedwith any conductivity type (e.g., p-type or n-type) dopant. Thesemiconductor layer may emit light of a specific wavelength band byreceiving an electrical signal applied from an external power source.The light emitting element ED may include a first semiconductor layer31, a second semiconductor layer 32, a light emitting layer 36, anelectrode layer 37 and an insulating film 38.

The first semiconductor layer 31 may be an n-type semiconductor. Thefirst semiconductor layer 31 may include a semiconductor material havinga chemical formula of Al_(x)Ga_(y)In_(1−x−y)N (0≤x≤1, 0≤y≤1, 0≤x+y≤1).For example, the first semiconductor layer 31 may be at least one ofAlGaInN, GaN, AlGaN, InGaN, AlN and InN doped with an n-type dopant. Then-type dopant doped into the first semiconductor layer 31 may be Si, Ge,Sn, Se, or the like.

The second semiconductor layer 32 is disposed on the first semiconductorlayer 31 with the light emitting layer 36 therebetween. The secondsemiconductor layer 32 may be a p-type semiconductor, and the secondsemiconductor layer 32 may include a semiconductor material having achemical formula of Al_(x)Ga_(y)In_(1−x−y)N (0≤x≤1, 0≤y≤1, 0≤x+y≤1). Forexample, the second semiconductor layer 32 may be at least one ofAlGaInN, GaN, AlGaN, InGaN, AlN and InN doped with a p-type dopant. Thep-type dopant doped into the second semiconductor layer 32 may be Mg,Zn, Ca, Ba, or the like.

Although FIG. 5 illustrates that the first semiconductor layer 31 andthe second semiconductor layer 32 are configured as a layer, thedisclosure is not limited thereto. Depending on the material of thelight emitting layer 36, the first semiconductor layer 31 and the secondsemiconductor layer 32 may further include a larger number of layers,such as a cladding layer or a tensile strain barrier reducing (TSBR)layer. For example, the light emitting element ED may further includeanother semiconductor layer disposed between the first semiconductorlayer 31 and the light emitting layer 36 or between the secondsemiconductor layer 32 and the light emitting layer 36. Thesemiconductor layer disposed between the first semiconductor layer 31and the light emitting layer 36 may be at least one of AlGaInN, GaN,AlGaN, InGaN, AlN, InN and SLs doped with an n-type dopant, and thesemiconductor layer disposed between the second semiconductor layer 32and the light emitting layer 36 may be at least one of AlGaInN, GaN,AlGaN, InGaN, AlN and InN doped with a p-type dopant.

The light emitting layer 36 is disposed between the first semiconductorlayer 31 and the second semiconductor layer 32. The light emitting layer36 may include a material having a single or multiple quantum wellstructure. In case that the light emitting layer 36 includes a materialhaving a multiple quantum well structure, quantum layers and well layersmay be stacked alternately each other. The light emitting layer 36 mayemit light by combination of electron-hole pairs according to anelectrical signal applied through the first semiconductor layer 31 andthe second semiconductor layer 32. The light emitting layer 36 mayinclude a material such as AlGaN, AlGaInN, or InGaN. In case that thelight emitting layer 36 has a multiple quantum well structure in whichquantum layers and well layers are alternately stacked each other, thequantum layer may include a material such as AlGaN or AlGaInN, and thewell layer may include a material such as GaN or AlInN.

The light emitting layer 36 may have a structure in which semiconductormaterials having a large band gap energy and semiconductor materialshaving a small band gap energy are alternately stacked each other, andmay include other group III to V semiconductor materials according tothe wavelength band of the emitted light. The light emitted by the lightemitting layer 36 is not limited to the light of the blue wavelengthband, but the light emitting layer 36 may also emit light of a red orgreen wavelength band in some embodiments.

The electrode layer 37 may be an ohmic connection electrode. However,the disclosure is not limited thereto, and it may be a Schottkyconnection electrode. The light emitting element ED may include at leastone electrode layer 37. The light emitting element ED may include one ormore electrode layers 37, but the disclosure is not limited thereto, andthe electrode layer 37 may be omitted.

In the display device 1, in case that the light emitting element ED iselectrically connected to an electrode or a connection electrode, theelectrode layer 37 may reduce the resistance between the light emittingelement ED and the electrode or connection electrode. The electrodelayer 37 may include a conductive metal. For example, the electrodelayer 37 may include at least one of aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti),indium (In), gold (Au), silver (Ag), ITO, IZO, or ITZO. With theabove-described configuration, ends of each of the light emittingelements ED may have different polarities. A description thereof will begiven below.

The insulating film 38 is arranged to surround the outer surfaces of thesemiconductor layers and electrode layers described above. For example,the insulating film 38 may be disposed to surround at least the outersurface of the light emitting layer 36, and may be formed to expose endsof the light emitting element ED in a longitudinal direction. Further,in a cross-sectional view, the insulating film 38 may have a topsurface, which is rounded in a region thereof adjacent to at least oneend of the light emitting element ED.

The insulating film 38 may include at least one of materials havinginsulating properties, for example, silicon oxide (SiO_(x)), siliconnitride (SiN_(x)), silicon oxynitride (SiO_(x)N_(y)), aluminum nitride(AlN_(x)), aluminum oxide (AlO_(x)), zirconium oxide (ZrO_(x)), hafniumoxide (HfO_(x)), or titanium oxide (TiO_(x)). FIG. 5 illustrates thatthe insulating film 38 is formed as a single layer, but the disclosureis not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the insulating film 38 maybe formed in a multilayer structure having layers stacked each othertherein.

The insulating film 38 may perform a function of protecting thesemiconductor layers and the electrode layer of the light emittingelement ED. The insulating film 38 may prevent an electrical shortcircuit that is likely to occur at the light emitting layer 36 in casethat an electrode to which an electrical signal is transmitted directlycontacts the light emitting element ED. The insulating film 38 mayprevent a decrease in luminous efficiency of the light emitting elementED.

Further, the insulating film 38 may have an outer surface which issurface-treated. The light emitting elements ED may be aligned byspraying the ink, in which the light emitting elements ED are dispersed,on the electrodes. The surface of the insulating film 38 may be treatedto have a hydrophobic property or hydrophilic property in order to keepthe light emitting elements ED dispersed without being aggregated withother adjacent light emitting elements ED in the ink.

Referring back to FIG. 4 , the light emitting element ED may include afirst light emitting element ED1, a second light emitting element ED2, athird light emitting element ED3, and a fourth light emitting elementED4. The first light emitting element ED1 and the second light emittingelement ED2 may be disposed on the separation space between the firstalignment electrode RME1 and the second alignment electrode RME2, andthe third light emitting element ED3 and the fourth light emittingelement ED4 may be disposed on the separation space between the secondalignment electrode RME2 and the third alignment electrode RME3. Thefirst light emitting element ED1, the second light emitting element ED2,the third light emitting element ED3, and the fourth light emittingelement ED4 may be distinguished by a connection relationship with theconnection electrodes CNE to be described below. A detailed descriptionthereof will be given below.

The connection electrode CNE may be disposed on the light emittingelements ED. The connection electrode CNE may include a first connectionelectrode CNE1, a second connection electrode CNE2, a third connectionelectrode CNE3, a fourth connection electrode CNE4, and a fifthconnection electrode CNE5.

A portion of the first connection electrode CNE1 may be connected to thefirst alignment electrode RME1 through a first contact portion CT1 thatdoes not overlap the emission area EMA, and another portion of the firstconnection electrode CNE1 may be connected to an end of the first lightemitting element ED1.

A portion of the second connection electrode CNE2 may be connected toanother end of the first light emitting element ED1, and another portionof the second connection electrode CNE2 may be connected to an end ofthe second light emitting element ED2.

A portion of the third connection electrode CNE3 may be connected toanother end of the second light emitting element ED2, and anotherportion of the third connection electrode CNE3 may be connected to anend of the third light emitting element ED3.

A portion of the fourth connection electrode CNE4 may be connected toanother end of the third light emitting element ED3, and another portionof the fourth connection electrode CNE4 may be connected to an end ofthe fourth light emitting element ED4.

A portion of the fifth connection electrode CNE5 may be connected toanother end of the fourth light emitting element ED4, and anotherportion of the fifth connection electrode CNE5 may be connected to thesecond alignment electrode RME2 through a second contact portion CT2that does not overlap the emission area EMA.

Each of the first connection electrode CNE1, the second connectionelectrode CNE2, the third connection electrode CNE3, the fourthconnection electrode CNE4, and the fifth connection electrode CNE5 mayhave a shape extending substantially in the fourth direction DR4. Adetailed description of the shapes of the connection electrodes CNE willbe provided below.

Hereinafter, disposition relationships among the alignment electrodesRME, the connection electrodes CNE, and the light emitting elements EDdisposed in a sub-pixel SPXn will be described in detail.

FIG. 6 is a schematic enlarged view of area A of FIG. 4 . FIG. 7 is aschematic plan view illustrating the disposition of the alignmentelectrode of FIG. 6 . FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view illustrating thedisposition of the connection electrode and the light emitting elementof FIG. 6 .

FIG. 7 illustrates the disposition of the alignment electrodes RME withrespect to the external bank BNL illustrated in a sub-pixel SPXn of FIG.6 , and FIG. 8 illustrates the disposition of the light emittingelements ED and the connection electrode CNE with respect to theexternal bank BNL illustrated in a sub-pixel SPXn of FIG. 6 .

Referring to FIGS. 6 to 7 , the display device 1 according to anembodiment may include the external bank BNL distinguishing the emissionarea EMA and the sub-region SA, an internal bank BP disposed in theemission area EMA, the alignment electrodes RME disposed in the emissionarea EMA to extend in the fourth direction DR4, the light emittingelements ED disposed between the respective alignment electrodes RME andarranged in the fourth direction DR4, and the connection electrodes CNEelectrically connecting the light emitting elements ED.

The external bank BNL may define the emission area EMA having arectangular shape including a short side EMAa extending in the firstdirection DR1 and a long side EMAb extending in the second direction DR2in plan view. In other words, the external bank BNL may be a barrierwall surrounding the emission area EMA, and may surround the emissionarea EMA in a rectangular shape in plan view. Accordingly, in case thatthe light emitting element ED is ejected to the emission area EMA by aninkjet method in a manufacturing process of the display device 1, it ispossible to prevent the light emitting element ED from being ejectedbeyond the emission area EMA.

The length of the short side EMAa and the length of the long side EMAbof the emission area EMA may have a standard determined according to theresolution of the display device 1. The resolution of the display device1 and the size of the emission area EMA may have a substantiallyinversely proportional relationship. As the resolution of the displaydevice 1 increases, the number of pixels PX per unit area shouldincrease, and accordingly, the size of the emission area EMA should bereduced. For example, as the resolution of the display device 1increases, the length of the short side EMAa and the length of the longside EMAb of the emission area EMA may decrease. In some embodiments,the length of the short side EMAa of the emission area EMA may be about42 μm, and the length of the long side EMAb may be about 81 μm, but arenot limited thereto.

However, in case that the size of the emission area EMA is reduced asthe resolution of the display device 1 increases, the number of lightemitting elements ED disposed in the emission area EMA is reduced, suchthat the luminance of each pixel PX may be reduced. Accordingly, inorder to increase the luminance of each pixel PX while increasing theresolution of the display device 1, it is necessary to increase thenumber of light emitting elements ED disposed in the emission area EMAhaving a limited area. Accordingly, by arranging the light emittingelements ED in the fourth direction DR4, the number of light emittingelements ED disposed in the emission area EMA having a limited area maybe increased. A detailed description thereof will be given below.

The internal banks BP may be disposed in the emission area EMA and mayhave a shape extending in the fourth direction DR4. The internal bank BPmay include a first internal bank BP1, a second internal bank BP2, and athird internal bank BP3.

With respect to the emission area EMA, the first internal bank BP1 maybe biased toward the other side in the first direction DR1, the thirdinternal bank BP3 may be biased toward one side in the first directionDR1, and the second internal bank BP2 may be disposed between the firstinternal bank BP1 and the second internal bank BP2.

The first internal bank BP1, the second internal bank BP2, and the thirdinternal bank BP3 may be spaced apart from each other in the firstdirection DR1. The light emitting elements ED may be arranged inseparation spaces among the first internal bank BP1, the second internalbank BP2, and the third internal bank BP3. For example, the first lightemitting elements ED1 and the second light emitting elements ED2 may bearranged in the separation space between the first internal bank BP1 andthe second internal bank BP2, and the third light emitting elements ED3and the fourth light emitting elements ED4 may be arranged in theseparation space between the second internal bank BP2 and the thirdinternal bank BP3.

The first internal bank BP1, the second internal bank BP2, and the thirdinternal bank BP3 may extend in the fourth direction DR4, such thatseparation spaces among the first internal bank BP1, the second internalbank BP2 and the third internal bank BP3 may also extend in the fourthdirection DR4. Accordingly, the light emitting elements ED may also bearranged in the fourth direction DR4.

The alignment electrodes RME may be disposed on the internal bank BP.The first alignment electrode RME1 may be disposed on the first internalbank BP1, the second alignment electrode RME2 may be disposed on thesecond internal bank BP2, and the third alignment electrode RME3 may bedisposed on the third internal bank BP3.

The first alignment electrode RME1 may include a first portion RME1 aextending in the second direction DR2, a second portion RME1 b extendingin the fourth direction DR4, and a third portion RME1 c extending in thesecond direction DR2.

The first portion RME1 a of the first alignment electrode RME1 may cross(or intersect) the external bank BNL and the sub-region SA disposed onthe upper side of the emission area EMA, for example, on the other sidein the second direction DR2. The first portion RME1 a may extend to theseparation portion ROP. The first portion RME1 a may be electricallyconnected to a circuit element layer to be described below through thefirst electrode contact hole CTD penetrating the external bank BNL.

In some embodiments, the first portion RME1 a may include a portionprotruding to the other side in the first direction DR1. The portion ofthe first portion RME1 a that protrudes to the other side in the firstdirection DR1 may be a portion electrically contacting the firstconnection electrode CNE1.

The second portion RME1 b of the first alignment electrode RME1 may be aportion disposed in the emission area EMA and may cross the emissionarea EMA in the fourth direction DR4. The second portion RME1 b mayextend from a side of the first portion RME1 a in the second directionDR2 to another side of the third portion RME1 c in the second directionDR2.

The third portion RME1 c of the first alignment electrode RME1 may crossthe external bank BNL and the sub-region SA disposed on the lower sideof the emission area EMA, for example, on one side in the seconddirection DR2. The third portion RME1 c may extend to the separationportion ROP.

A first portion RME2 a of the second alignment electrode RME2 may crossthe external bank BNL and the sub-region SA disposed on the upper sideof the emission area EMA, for example, on the other side in the seconddirection DR2. The first portion RME2 a may extend to the separationportion ROP. The first portion RME2 a may be electrically connected to acircuit element layer to be described below through the second electrodecontact hole CTS penetrating the external bank BNL.

In some embodiments, the first portion RME2 a may include a portionprotruding to the other side in the first direction DR1. The portion ofthe first portion RME2 a that protrudes to the other side in the firstdirection DR1 may be a portion electrically contacting the fifthconnection electrode CNE5.

A second portion RME2 b of the second alignment electrode RME2 may be aportion disposed in the emission area EMA and may cross the emissionarea EMA in the fourth direction DR4. The second portion RME2 b mayextend from a side of the first portion RME2 a in the second directionDR2 to another side of a third portion RME2 c in the second directionDR2.

The third portion RME2 c of the second alignment electrode RME2 maycross the external bank BNL and the sub-region SA disposed on the lowerside of the emission area EMA, for example, on a side in the seconddirection DR2. The third portion RME2 c may extend to the separationportion ROP.

A first portion RME3 a of the third alignment electrode RME3 may crossthe external bank BNL and the sub-region SA disposed on the upper sideof the emission area EMA, for example, on the other side in the seconddirection DR2. The first portion RME3 a may extend to the separationportion ROP.

A second portion RME3 b of the third alignment electrode RME3 may be aportion disposed in the emission area EMA and may cross the emissionarea EMA in the fourth direction DR4. The second portion RME3 b mayextend from a side of the first portion RME3 a in the second directionDR2 to another side of a third portion RME3 c in the second directionDR2.

The third portion RME3 c of the third alignment electrode RME3 may crossthe external bank BNL and the sub-region SA disposed on the lower sideof the emission area EMA, for example, on a side in the second directionDR2. The third portion RME3 c may extend to the separation portion ROP.

As illustrated in FIG. 7 , the first alignment electrode RME1, thesecond alignment electrode RME2, and the third alignment electrode RME3may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1, andseparation spaces among the first alignment electrode RME1, the secondalignment electrode RME2, and the third alignment electrode RME3 in theemission area EMA may define the passages EDA1, EDA2, EDA3, and EDA4 inwhich the light emitting elements ED are arranged.

The separation space between the second portion RME1 b of the firstalignment electrode RME1 and the second portion RME2 b of the secondalignment electrode RME2 may include a first passage EDA1 in which thefirst light emitting elements ED1 are arranged and a second passage EDA2in which the second light emitting elements ED2 are arranged. The firstpassage EDA1 may be disposed on a side of the second passage EDA2 in thesecond direction DR2. The separation space between the second portionRME1 b of the first alignment electrode RME1 and the second portion RME2b of the second alignment electrode RME2 may cross the emission area EMAin the fourth direction DR4, and the first passage EDA1 and the secondpassage EDA2 may also cross the emission area EMA in the fourthdirection DR4. The first passage EDA1 and the second passage EDA2 may bespaced apart from each other with a first separation space CRA1therebetween. The first separation space CRA1 may be a space in which aconnection portion CNE2 c of the second connection electrode CNE2 to bedescribed below is disposed.

The separation space between the second portion RME2 b of the secondalignment electrode RME2 and the second portion RME3 b of the thirdalignment electrode RME3 may include a third passage EDA3 in which thethird light emitting elements ED3 are arranged and a fourth passage EDA4in which the fourth light emitting elements ED4 are arranged. The fourthpassage EDA4 may be disposed on a side of the third passage EDA3 in thesecond direction DR2. The separation space between the second portionRME2 b of the second alignment electrode RME2 and the second portionRME3 b of the third alignment electrode RME3 may cross the emission areaEMA in the fourth direction DR4, and the third passage EDA3 and thefourth passage EDA4 may also cross the emission area EMA in the fourthdirection DR4. The third passage EDA3 and the fourth passage EDA4 may bespaced apart from each other with a second separation space CRA2therebetween. The second separation space CRA2 may be a space in which aconnection portion CNE4 c of the fourth connection electrode CNE4 to bedescribed below is disposed.

In each of the light emitting elements ED illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 8 ,for example, the first light emitting element ED1, the second lightemitting element ED2, the third light emitting element ED3, and thefourth light emitting element ED4, portions having different polaritiesare divided. Hereinafter, for simplicity of description, a hatchedportion of the light emitting element ED will be referred to as “an end”and an unhatched portion will be referred to as “another end.”

For example, an end of the light emitting element ED may be a portionadjacent to the second semiconductor layer 32 with respect to the lightemitting element ED illustrated in FIG. 5 , and another end of the lightemitting element ED may be a portion adjacent to the first semiconductorlayer 31. Accordingly, an end and another end of a light emittingelement ED may have different polarities, but an end of each of thedifferent light emitting elements ED may have a same polarity andanother end thereof may have a same polarity. An end ED1 a of the firstlight emitting element ED1, an end ED2 a of the second light emittingelement ED2, an end ED3 a of the third light emitting element ED3, andan end ED4 a of the fourth light emitting element ED4 may have a samepolarity, and another end ED1 b of the first light emitting element ED1,another end ED2 b of the second light emitting element ED2, another endED3 b of the third light emitting element ED3, and another end ED4 b ofthe fourth light emitting element ED4 may have a same polarity.

In the manufacturing process of the display device 1 according to anembodiment, the disposition of the light emitting element ED may beperformed through a process of ejecting ink, in which the light emittingelement ED is dispersed, onto the alignment electrode RME, and aligningthe light emitting element ED by applying different voltages to thealignment electrode RME. For example, in case that an electrical signalis applied to each of the first alignment electrode RME1, the secondalignment electrode RME2, and the third alignment electrode RME3, anelectric field may be generated in the ink in which the light emittingelement ED is dispersed, and the light emitting element ED may receive adielectrophoresis (DEP) force by the electric field and be seated in theseparation space among the first alignment electrode RME1, the secondalignment electrode RME2, and the third alignment electrode RME3 whilethe orientation direction and the position are changed.

In case that a same electrical signal is applied to the first alignmentelectrode RME1 and the third alignment electrode RME3, and an electricalsignal different from the electrical signal applied to the firstalignment electrode RME1 and the third alignment electrode RME3 isapplied to the second alignment electrode RME2, an end of each of thelight emitting elements ED may be arranged on the first alignmentelectrode RME1 or the third alignment electrode RME3, and another end ofeach of the light emitting elements ED may be arranged on the secondalignment electrode RME2. Accordingly, an end ED1 a of the first lightemitting element ED1 may be disposed on the first alignment electrodeRME1, another end ED1 b of the first light emitting element ED1 may bedisposed on the second alignment electrode RME2, an end ED2 a of thesecond light emitting element ED2 may be disposed on the first alignmentelectrode RME1, another end ED2 b of the second light emitting elementED2 may be disposed on the second alignment electrode RME2, an end ED3 aof the third light emitting element ED3 may be disposed on the thirdalignment electrode RME3, another end ED3 b of the third light emittingelement ED3 may be disposed on the second alignment electrode RME2, anend ED4 a of the fourth light emitting element ED4 may be disposed onthe third alignment electrode RME3, and another end ED4 b of the fourthlight emitting element ED4 may be disposed on the second alignmentelectrode RME2.

The first passage EDA1 and the second passage EDA2 may be a portion ofthe separation space between the first alignment electrode RME1 and thesecond alignment electrode RME2, and may have a relative position thatshares a straight line parallel to the fourth direction DR4.Accordingly, the first light emitting element ED1 and the second lightemitting element ED2 may also have a relative position that shares astraight line parallel to the fourth direction DR4. The end ED1 a of thefirst light emitting element ED1 and the end ED2 a of the second lightemitting element ED2 may have a relative position that shares a straightline parallel to the fourth direction DR4, and the another end ED1 b ofthe first light emitting element ED1 and the another end ED2 b of thesecond light emitting element ED2 may have a relative position thatshares a straight line parallel to the fourth direction DR4. However,the end ED1 a of the first light emitting element ED1 and the anotherend ED2 b of the second light emitting element ED2 may be disposed at arelative position that does not share a straight line parallel to thefourth direction DR4 and may not overlap each other in the fourthdirection DR4, and the another ED1 b of the first light emitting elementED1 and the end ED2 a of the second light emitting element ED2 may bedisposed at a relative position that does not share a straight lineparallel to the fourth direction DR4 and may not overlap each other inthe fourth direction DR4.

Similarly, the third passage EDA3 and the fourth passage EDA4 may be aportion of the separation space between the second alignment electrodeRME2 and the third alignment electrode RME3, and may have a relativeposition that shares a straight line parallel to the fourth directionDR4. Accordingly, the third light emitting element ED3 and the fourthlight emitting element ED4 may also have a relative position that sharesa straight line parallel to the fourth direction DR4. The end ED3 a ofthe third light emitting element ED3 and the end ED4 a of the fourthlight emitting element ED4 may have a relative position that shares astraight line parallel to the fourth direction DR4, and the another endED3 b of the third light emitting element ED3 and the another end ED4 bof the fourth light emitting element ED4 may have a relative positionthat shares a straight line parallel to the fourth direction DR4.However, the end ED3 a of the third light emitting element ED3 and theanother end ED4 b of the fourth light emitting element ED4 may bedisposed at a relative position that does not share a straight lineparallel to the fourth direction DR4 and may not overlap each other inthe fourth direction DR4, and the another end ED3 b of the third lightemitting element ED3 and the end ED4 a of the fourth light emittingelement ED4 may be disposed at a relative position that does not share astraight line parallel to the fourth direction DR4 and may not overlapeach other in the fourth direction DR4.

An end and another end of the different light emitting elements ED maybe electrically connected by the connection electrode CNE.

The connection electrode CNE may be disposed on the light emittingelement ED. The connection electrode CNE may include the firstconnection electrode CNE1, the second connection electrode CNE2, thethird connection electrode CNE3, the fourth connection electrode CNE4,and the fifth connection electrode CNE5 that are disposed to be spacedapart from each other as described above.

The first connection electrode CNE1 may include a first portion CNE1 aextending substantially in the second direction DR2 and a second portionCNE1 b extending in the fourth direction DR4 in the emission area EMA.

The first portion CNE1 a of the first connection electrode CNE1 mayinclude a portion protruding toward the other side in the firstdirection DR1. The portion of the first portion CNE1 a protruding towardthe other side in the first direction DR1 may overlap a portion of theabove-described first alignment electrode RME1 protruding toward theother side in the first direction DR1, in the third direction DR3, andthese portions may be electrically connected to each other through thefirst contact portion CT1. Accordingly, the first power voltage may besupplied to the first connection electrode CNE1.

The second portion CNE1 b of the first connection electrode CNE1 maycontact an end ED1 a of each of the first light emitting elements ED1.Since the first power voltage is supplied to the first connectionelectrode CNE1 through the first contact portion CT1, the first powervoltage may be supplied to the end ED1 a of each of the first lightemitting elements ED1.

The second portion CNE1 b may extend in the fourth direction DR4, andmay extend to a portion in which the first passage EDA1 is disposed. Inother words, the second portion CNE1 b may overlap the first passageEDA1 in the first direction DR1 and may not overlap the second passageEDA2 in the first direction DR1. In other words, the second portion CNE1b may extend to only a vicinity of the center of the emission area EMA,for example, a vicinity in which the first light emitting elements ED1are arranged.

The second connection electrode CNE2 may extend substantially in thefourth direction DR4, and may serve to electrically connect another endED1 b of the first light emitting element ED1 with an end ED2 a of thesecond light emitting element ED2. The second connection electrode CNE2may include a first portion CNE2 a extending in the fourth directionDR4, a second portion CNE2 b extending in the fourth direction DR4, andthe connection portion CNE2 c connecting the first portion CNE2 a withthe second portion CNE2 b.

The first portion CNE2 a of the second connection electrode CNE2 maycontact the another end ED1 b of each of the first light emittingelements ED1. The first portion CNE2 a may extend in the fourthdirection DR4 to a vicinity in which the second portion CNE1 b of thefirst connection electrode CNE1 extends, for example, to a vicinity inwhich the first light emitting elements ED1 are arranged.

The second portion CNE2 b of the second connection electrode CNE2 maycontact an end ED2 a of each of the second light emitting elements ED2.The second portion CNE2 b may extend in the fourth direction DR4 to avicinity in which the second light emitting elements ED2 are arranged inthe emission area EMA.

The connection portion CNE2 c of the second connection electrode CNE2may serve to connect the first portion CNE2 a with the second portionCNE2 b. As described above, since the first portion CNE2 a and thesecond portion CNE2 b are disposed on the another end ED1 b of the firstlight emitting element ED1 and the end ED2 a of the second lightemitting element ED2, respectively, the relative positions thereof maybe different. Accordingly, the first portion CNE2 a and the secondportion CNE2 b may be connected through the connection portion CNE2 ccrossing the first separation space CRA1 between the first passage EDA1and the second passage EDA2 in a direction intersecting the fourthdirection DR4.

The third connection electrode CNE3 may serve to electrically connectthe another end ED2 b of the second light emitting element ED2 with theend ED3 a of the third light emitting element ED3. The third connectionelectrode CNE3 may include a first portion CNE3 a extending in thefourth direction DR4, a second portion CNE3 b extending in the fourthdirection DR4, and a connection portion CNE3 c connecting the firstportion CNE3 a with the second portion CNE3 b.

The first portion CNE3 a of the third connection electrode CNE3 maycontact the another end ED2 b of each of the second light emittingelements ED2. The first portion CNE3 a may extend in the fourthdirection DR4 to a vicinity in which the second light emitting elementsED2 are arranged in the emission area EMA. In other words, the firstportion CNE3 a of the third connection electrode CNE3 may extend to avicinity in which the connection portion CNE2 c of the second connectionelectrode CNE2 is disposed.

The second portion CNE3 b of the third connection electrode CNE3 maycontact an end ED3 a of each of the third light emitting elements ED3.The second portion CNE3 b may extend in the fourth direction DR4 to avicinity in which the third light emitting element ED3 is arranged inthe emission area EMA.

The connection portion CNE3 c of the third connection electrode CNE3 mayserve to connect the first portion CNE3 a with the second portion CNE3b. The third connection electrode CNE3 may extend in a directionintersecting the fourth direction DR4 to connect the first portion CNE3a with the second portion CNE3 b. In some embodiments, the connectionportion CNE3 c may overlap the external bank BNL positioned at one sidein the second direction DR2 in the emission area EMA, in the thirddirection DR3, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

The fourth connection electrode CNE4 may extend substantially in thefourth direction DR4, and may serve to electrically connect the anotherend ED3 b of the third light emitting element ED3 with the end ED4 a ofthe fourth light emitting element ED4. The fourth connection electrodeCNE4 may include a first portion CNE4 a extending in the fourthdirection DR4, a second portion CNE4 b extending in the fourth directionDR4, and the connection portion CNE4 c connecting the first portion CNE4a with the second portion CNE4 b.

The first portion CNE4 a of the fourth connection electrode CNE4 maycontact the another end ED3 b of each of the third light emittingelements ED3. The first portion CNE4 a may extend in the fourthdirection DR4 to a vicinity in which the third light emitting elementED3 is arranged.

The second portion CNE4 b of the fourth connection electrode CNE4 maycontact the end ED4 a of each of the fourth light emitting elements ED4.The second portion CNE4 b may extend in the fourth direction DR4 to avicinity in which the fourth light emitting element ED4 is arranged inthe emission area EMA.

The connection portion CNE4 c of the fourth connection electrode CNE4may serve to connect the first portion CNE4 a with the second portionCNE4 b. As described above, since the first portion CNE4 a and thesecond portion CNE4 b are disposed on the another end ED3 b of the thirdlight emitting element ED3 and the Rend ED4 a of the fourth lightemitting element ED4, respectively, the relative positions thereof maybe different. Accordingly, the first portion CNE4 a and the secondportion CNE4 b may be connected through the connection portion CNE4 ccrossing the second separation space CRA2 between the third passage EDA3and the fourth passage EDA4 in a direction intersecting the fourthdirection DR4.

The fifth connection electrode CNE5 may include a first portion CNE5 aextending substantially in the second direction DR2 and a second portionCNE5 b extending in the fourth direction DR4 in the emission area EMA.

The first portion CNE5 a of the fifth connection electrode CNE5 mayinclude a portion protruding toward the other side in the firstdirection DR1. The portion of the first portion CNE5 a protruding towardthe other side in the first direction DR1 may overlap a portion of theabove-described second alignment electrode RME2 protruding toward theother side in the first direction DR1, in the third direction DR3, andmay be electrically connected to each other through the second contactportion CT2. Accordingly, the second power voltage may be supplied tothe fifth connection electrode CNE5.

The second portion CNE5 b of the fifth connection electrode CNE5 maycontact the another end ED4 b of each of the fourth light emittingelements ED4. Since the second power voltage is supplied to the fifthconnection electrode CNE5 through the second contact portion CT2, thesecond power voltage may be supplied to the another end ED4 b of each ofthe fourth light emitting elements ED4.

By the above-described configuration, the first light emitting elementED1, the second light emitting element ED2, the third light emittingelement ED3, and the fourth light emitting element ED4 may beelectrically connected in series, such that the luminance of the pixelPX may increase.

The length of each of the first passage EDA1, the second passage EDA2,the third passage EDA3, and the fourth passage EDA4 in the fourthdirection DR4 may be substantially equal to or greater than a half ofthe length of a long side EMAb of the emission area EMA in the seconddirection DR2. The length of the long side EMAb of the emission area EMAin the second direction DR2 may be substantially equal to twice a firstwidth H1 in the second direction DR2, and a length L1 of the firstpassage EDA1 in the fourth direction DR4, a length L2 of the secondpassage EDA2 in the fourth direction DR4, a length L3 of the thirdpassage EDA3 in the fourth direction DR4, and a length L4 of the fourthpassage EDA4 in the fourth direction DR4 may be substantially equal toor greater than the length of the first width H1.

In case that the alignment electrodes RME extend in the second directionDR2 in the emission area EMA and the light emitting elements ED arearranged in the second direction DR2, the space through which theconnection portion CNE2 c of the second connection electrode CNE2 andthe connection portion CNE4 c of the fourth connection electrode CNE4pass must be considered, and thus the length of the passage in which thelight emitting elements ED are arranged may be smaller than the lengthof the first width H1. Accordingly, in the emission area EMA, a largernumber of light emitting elements ED may be arranged as compared with acase where the alignment electrodes RME extend in the second directionDR2 and the light emitting elements ED are arranged in the seconddirection DR2.

Each of the length L1 of the first passage EDA1 in the fourth directionDR4, the length L2 of the second passage EDA2 in the fourth directionDR4, the length L3 of the third passage EDA3 in the fourth directionDR4, and the length L4 of the fourth passage EDA4 in the fourthdirection DR4 may be substantially equal to or greater than about 44 μm.In general, as the length of the passage increases, the number of lightemitting elements ED disposed in the passage increases, such thatluminous efficiency may increase. In case that each of the length L1 ofthe first passage EDA1 in the fourth direction DR4, the length L2 of thesecond passage EDA2 in the fourth direction DR4, the length L3 of thethird passage EDA3 in the fourth direction DR4, and the length L4 of thefourth passage EDA4 in the fourth direction DR4 is substantially equalto or greater than about 44 μm, the number of the light emittingelements ED providing the minimum luminous efficiency required todisplay the screen of the display device 1 may be secured. In case thateach of the length L1 of the first passage EDA1 in the fourth directionDR4, the length L2 of the second passage EDA2 in the fourth directionDR4, the length L3 of the third passage EDA3 in the fourth directionDR4, and the length L4 of the fourth passage EDA4 in the fourthdirection DR4 is less than about 44 μm, the highest luminous efficiencyrequired by the display device 1 may not be provided.

Accordingly, in case that the length of the passages EDA1, EDA2, EDA3,and EDA4 in which the light emitting elements ED are arranged isincreased as a diagonal, the number of light emitting elements EDproviding the minimum luminous efficiency required by the display devicemay be readily secured.

Hereinafter, a stacked structure of elements constituting the displaydevice 1 according to an embodiment will be described.

FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a cross sectiontaken along line X1-X1′ of FIG. 6 . FIG. 10 is a schematiccross-sectional view illustrating a cross section taken along lineX2-X2′ of FIG. 6 . FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional viewillustrating a cross section taken along line X3-X3′ of FIG. 6 .

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross section crossing the first and secondelectrode contact holes CTD and CTS and the contact portions CT1 andCT2, FIG. 10 illustrates a cross section crossing ends of each of thefirst light emitting element ED1 and the fourth light emitting elementED4, and FIG. 11 illustrates a cross section crossing ends of each ofthe second light emitting element ED2 and the third light emittingelement ED3.

A cross-sectional structure of the display device 1 will be describedwith reference to FIGS. 9 to 11 , and the display device 1 may include asubstrate SUB, and a semiconductor layer, conductive layers, andinsulating layers, disposed on the substrate SUB. As described above,the display device 1 may include electrodes RME, the light emittingelement ED, and the connection electrode CNE. Each of the semiconductorlayer, the conductive layer, and the insulating layer may constitute (orform) a circuit element layer of the display device 1.

The substrate SUB may be made of (or include) an insulating materialsuch as glass, quartz, or polymer resin. Further, the substrate SUB maybe a rigid substrate or a flexible substrate which can be bent, foldedor rolled.

The circuit element layer may be disposed on the substrate SUB. In thecircuit element layer, various wires that transmit electrical signals tothe light emitting element ED disposed on the substrate SUB may bedisposed. A circuit layer CCL may include a first conductive layer, asemiconductor layer, a second conductive layer and a third conductivelayer as conductive layers as illustrated in FIGS. 9 to 11 , and mayinclude a buffer layer BL, a first gate insulating layer GI, a firstinterlayer insulating layer IL1, a first passivation layer PV1, and thelike as insulating layers.

A first conductive layer may be disposed on the substrate SUB. The firstconductive layer includes a lower metal layer BML that is disposed tooverlap a first active layer ACT1 of a first transistor T1. The lowermetal layer BML may prevent light from entering the first active layerACT1 of the first transistor T1, or may be electrically connected to thefirst active layer ACT1 to stabilize electrical characteristics of thefirst transistor T1. However, the lower metal layer BML may be omitted.

The buffer layer BL may be disposed on the lower metal layer BML and thesubstrate SUB. The buffer layer BL may be formed on the substrate SUB toprotect the transistors of the pixel PX from moisture permeating throughthe substrate SUB susceptible to moisture permeation, and may perform asurface planarization function.

The semiconductor layer is disposed on the buffer layer BL. Thesemiconductor layer may include the first active layer ACT1 of the firsttransistor T1 and a second active layer ACT2 of the second transistorT2. The first active layer ACT1 and the second active layer ACT2 may bedisposed to partially overlap a first gate electrode G1 and a secondgate electrode G2 of a second conductive layer to be described below,respectively.

The semiconductor layer may include polycrystalline silicon,monocrystalline silicon, oxide semiconductor, and the like. In anotherembodiment, the semiconductor layer may include polycrystalline silicon.The oxide semiconductor may be an oxide semiconductor containing indium(In). For example, the oxide semiconductor may be at least one of indiumtin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), indium gallium oxide (IGO),indium zinc tin oxide (IZTO), indium gallium tin oxide (IGTO), indiumgallium zinc oxide (IGZO), and indium gallium zinc tin oxide (IGZTO).

Although FIG. 9 illustrates that the first transistor T1 and the secondtransistor T2 are disposed in the pixel PX of the display device 1, thedisclosure is not limited thereto, and the display device 1 may includea larger number of transistors.

A first gate insulating layer GI is disposed on the semiconductor layerin the display area DA. The first gate insulating layer GI may serve asa gate insulating layer of each of the first and second transistors T1and T2. Although FIG. 9 illustrates that the first gate insulating layerGI is patterned together with the first and second gate electrodes G1and G2 of the second conductive layer to be described below andpartially disposed between the second conductive layer and the first andsecond active layers ACT1 and ACT2 of the semiconductor layer. However,the disclosure is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the firstgate insulating layer GI may be entirely disposed on the buffer layerBL.

The second conductive layer may be disposed on the first gate insulatinglayer GI. The second conductive layer may include a first gate electrodeG1 of the first transistor T1 and a second gate electrode G2 of thesecond transistor T2. The first gate electrode G1 may be disposed tooverlap a channel region of the first active layer ACT1 in a thirddirection DR3 that is a thickness direction, and the second gateelectrode G2 may be disposed to overlap a channel region of the secondactive layer ACT2 in the third direction DR3 that is the thicknessdirection.

A first interlayer insulating layer IL1 may be disposed on the secondconductive layer. The first interlayer insulating layer IL1 may functionas an insulating film between the second conductive layer and otherlayers disposed thereon, and may protect the second conductive layer.

A third conductive layer may be disposed on the first interlayerinsulating layer IL1. The third conductive layer may include the firstvoltage line VL1 and the second voltage line VL2, a first conductivepattern CDP1, a first source electrode S1 and a first drain electrode D1of the transistor T1, and a second source electrode S2 and a seconddrain electrode D2 of the transistor T2 that are disposed in the displayarea DA.

The first voltage line VL1 may be applied with a high-potential voltage(or a first power voltage) transmitted to the first alignment electrodeRME1, and the second voltage line VL2 may be applied with alow-potential voltage (or a second power voltage) transmitted to thesecond alignment electrode RME2. The first voltage line VL1 maypartially contact the first active layer ACT1 of the first transistor T1through a contact hole that penetrates the first interlayer insulatinglayer IL1. The first voltage line VL1 may serve as a first drainelectrode D1 of the first transistor T1. The first voltage line VL1 maybe directly connected to the first alignment electrode RME1, and thesecond voltage line VL2 may be directly connected to the secondalignment electrode RME2.

The first conductive pattern CDP1 may contact the first active layerACT1 of the first transistor T1 through the contact hole penetrating thefirst interlayer insulating layer IL1. The first conductive pattern CDP1may contact the lower metal layer BML, through another contact holepenetrating the first interlayer insulating layer IL1 and the bufferlayer BL. The first conductive pattern CDP1 may serve as a first sourceelectrode S1 of the first transistor T1. Further, the first conductivepattern CDP1 may be connected to the first electrode RME1 or the firstconnection electrode CNE1 to be described below. The first transistor T1may transmit the first power voltage, applied from the first voltageline VL1, to the first electrode RME1 or the first connection electrodeCNE1.

The second source electrode S2 and the second drain electrode D2 maycontact the second active layer ACT2 of the second transistor T2 throughthe contact holes penetrating the first interlayer insulating layer IL1.

A first passivation layer PV1 may be disposed on the third conductivelayer. The first passivation layer PV1 may function as an insulatinglayer between the third conductive layer and other layers and mayprotect the third conductive layer.

The buffer layer BL, the first gate insulating layer GI, the firstinterlayer insulating layer IL1, and the first passivation layer PV1described above may be formed as inorganic layers stacked each other inan alternating manner. For example, the buffer layer BL, the first gateinsulating layer GI, the first interlayer insulating layer IL1, and thefirst passivation layer PV1 may be formed as a double layer formed bystacking inorganic layers including at least one of silicon oxide(SiO_(x)), silicon nitride (SiN_(x)), and silicon oxynitride(SiO_(x)N_(y)), or as a multilayer formed by alternately stacking theinorganic layers.

A via insulating layer VIA may be disposed on the circuit element layer.The via insulating layer VIA may be disposed on the first passivationlayer PV1 of the circuit element layer. The via insulating layer VIA mayinclude an organic insulating material, for example, polyimide, and mayform a flat top surface while compensating for a height difference (orstep or thickness difference) due to various wires inside the circuitelement layer.

The internal bank BP is disposed on the top surface of the viainsulating layer VIA. In other words, the via insulating layer VIA andthe internal bank BP may directly contact each other.

The internal banks BP may be disposed on the via insulating layer VIA.The internal bank BP may have a side surface that is inclined or bentwith a curvature (e.g., a predetermined or selectable curvature), andthe light emitted from the light emitting element ED may be reflectedfrom the alignment electrode RME disposed on the internal bank BP and beemitted to one side in the third direction DR3. The internal banks BPmay include an organic insulating material such as polyimide, but thedisclosure is not limited thereto.

The internal bank BP may include the first internal bank BP1, the secondinternal bank BP2, and the third internal bank BP3. The second internalbank BP2 may be disposed between the first internal bank BP1 and thethird internal bank BP3.

The alignment electrodes RME may be disposed on the internal bank BP andthe via insulating layer VIA. The first alignment electrode RME1 may bedisposed on the first internal bank BP1 and extend in a direction towardthe second internal bank BP2, and the second alignment electrode RME2may be disposed on the second internal bank BP2 and extend in adirection toward the first internal bank BP1 and a direction toward thethird internal bank BP3.

The first alignment electrode RME1 may be disposed at least on theinclined side surface of the first internal bank BP1 and on the topsurface of the via insulating layer VIA positioned in the separationspace between the inclined side surface of the first internal bank BP1and the second internal bank BP2.

The second alignment electrode RME2 may be disposed at least on oneinclined side surface of the second internal bank BP2 and on the topsurface of the via insulating layer VIA positioned in the separationspace between an inclined side surface of the second internal bank BP2and the first internal bank BP1, and may be disposed on the top surfaceof the via insulating layer VIA positioned in the separation spacebetween another inclined side surface of the second internal bank BP2and the third internal bank BP3.

The third alignment electrode RME3 may be disposed at least on the topsurface of the via insulating layer VIA positioned in the separationspace between the inclined side surface of the third internal bank BP3and the second internal bank BP2.

The gap in which the first alignment electrode RME1, the secondalignment electrode RME2, and the third alignment electrode RME3 arespaced apart from each other may be narrower than the gap among thefirst internal bank BP1, the second internal bank BP2, and the thirdinternal bank BP3. The gap in which the first alignment electrode RME1and the second alignment electrode RME2 are spaced apart from each othermay be narrower than the gap between the first internal bank BP1 and thesecond internal bank BP2, and the gap in which the second alignmentelectrode RME2 and the third alignment electrode RME3 are spaced apartfrom each other may be narrower than the gap between the second internalbank BP2 and the third internal bank BP3. At least a partial area of thefirst alignment electrode RME1, the second alignment electrode RME2, andthe third alignment electrode RME3 may be directly disposed on the viainsulating layer VIA and be disposed on a same plane.

The light emitting element ED disposed between the internal banks BP mayemit light in end directions (or both end directions), and the emittedlight may be directed to the alignment electrode RME disposed on theinternal bank BP. Accordingly, the light emitted from the light emittingelement ED may be reflected by the alignment electrode RME and emittedin the third direction DR3.

As illustrated in FIG. 9 , each of the alignment electrodes RME maydirectly contact the third conductive layer through the first and secondelectrode contact holes CTD and CTS in a portion in which the alignmentelectrodes RME and the external bank BNL overlap each other. The firstelectrode contact hole CTD may be formed in an area in which theexternal bank BNL and the first alignment electrode RME1 overlap eachother, and the second electrode contact hole CTS may be formed in anarea in which the external bank BNL and the second alignment electrodeRME2 overlap each other. The first alignment electrode RME1 may contactthe first conductive pattern CDP1 through the first electrode contacthole CTD penetrating the via insulating layer VIA and the firstpassivation layer PV1. The second alignment electrode RME2 may contactthe second voltage line VL2 through the second electrode contact holeCTS penetrating the via insulating layer VIA and the first passivationlayer PV1. The first alignment electrode RME1 may be electricallyconnected to the first transistor T1 through the first conductivepattern CDP1 to be applied with the first power voltage, and the secondalignment electrode RME2 may be electrically connected to the secondvoltage line VL2 to be applied with the second power voltage.

The alignment electrodes RME may include a conductive material havinghigh reflectivity. For example, the alignment electrodes RME may containa metal such as silver (Ag), copper (Cu), or aluminum (Al), or maycontain an alloy including aluminum (Al), nickel (Ni), lanthanum (La),or the like. As another example, the electrodes RME may have a structurein which a metal layer such as titanium (Ti), molybdenum (Mo), andniobium (Nb) and the alloy are stacked each other. In some embodiments,the alignment electrodes RME may be formed as a double layer or amultilayer formed by stacking at least one metal layer made of an alloyincluding aluminum (Al) and titanium (Ti), molybdenum (Mo), and niobium(Nb).

However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and each alignmentelectrode RME may further include a transparent conductive material. Forexample, each alignment electrode RME may include a material such asITO, IZO, and ITZO. In some embodiments, each of the alignmentelectrodes RME may have a structure in which at least one transparentconductive material and at least one metal layer having highreflectivity are stacked each other, or may be formed as a layerincluding them. For example, each alignment electrode RME may have astacked structure of ITO/Ag/ITO, ITO/Ag/IZO, ITO/Ag/ITZO/IZO, or thelike. The alignment electrodes RME may be electrically connected to thelight emitting element ED, and may reflect some of the lights emittedfrom the light emitting element ED in an upward direction of thesubstrate SUB.

A first insulating layer PAS1 may be disposed in the entire display areaDA and may be disposed on the via insulating layer VIA and the alignmentelectrodes RME. The first insulating layer PAS1 may include aninsulating material to protect the alignment electrodes RME and insulatedifferent alignment electrodes RME from each other. As the firstinsulating layer PAS1 is disposed to cover the alignment electrodes RMEbefore the external bank BNL is formed, in a process in which thealignment electrodes RME form the external bank BNL, the alignmentelectrode RME may be prevented from being damaged. The first insulatinglayer PAS1 may prevent the light emitting element ED disposed thereonfrom being damaged by directly contacting other members.

In an embodiment, the first insulating layer PAS1 may have steppedportions such that the top surface thereof is partially depressedbetween the alignment electrodes RME spaced apart from each other. Thelight emitting element ED may be disposed on the top surface of thefirst insulating layer PAS1, where the stepped portions are formed, andthus a space may remain between the light emitting element ED and thefirst insulating layer PAS1.

As illustrated in FIG. 9 , the first insulating layer PAS1 may includecontact portions CT1 and CT2. The contact portions CT1 and CT2 may bedisposed to overlap the different alignment electrodes RME,respectively. For example, the contact portions CT1 and CT2 may includefirst contact portions CT1 disposed to overlap the first alignmentelectrode RME1 and second contact portions CT2 disposed to overlap thesecond alignment electrode RME2. The first contact portions CT1 and thesecond contact portions CT2 may penetrate the first insulating layerPAS1 to partially expose the top surface of the first alignmentelectrode RME1 or the second alignment electrode RME2 thereunder. Eachof the first contact portion CT1 and the second contact portion CT2 mayfurther penetrate some of the other insulating layers disposed on thefirst insulating layer PAS 1. The alignment electrode RME exposed byeach of the contact portions CT1 and CT2 may contact the connectionelectrode CNE.

The external bank BNL may be disposed on the first insulating layerPAS1. The external bank BNL may include a portion extending in the firstdirection DR1 and the second direction DR2 and surround each of thepixels PX. The external bank BNL may surround and divide each pixel PX,and may surround an outermost portion of the display area DA and dividethe display area DA and the non-display area NDA.

The light emitting elements ED may be electrically connected to thecircuit element layers under the alignment electrode RME and the viainsulating layer VIA by contacting the connection electrodes CNE, andmay emit light of a specific wavelength band by being applied with anelectrical signal.

The external bank BNL may have a height (e.g., a predetermined orselectable height) similar to (or close to) the height of the internalbank. In some embodiments, the height of a top surface of the externalbank BNL may be higher than the height of the internal bank BP, and athickness thereof may be substantially equal to or greater than thethickness of the internal bank BP. The external bank BNL forms a barrierwall having a rectangular shape in plan view to define the emission areaEMA, such that it is possible to effectively prevent ink fromoverflowing into the adjacent pixels PX in an inkjet printing processduring the manufacturing process of the display device 1. The externalbank BNL may include an organic insulating material such as polyimide inthe same manner as the internal bank.

A second insulating layer PAS2 may be disposed on the light emittingelements ED, the first insulating layer PAS1, and the external bank BNL.The second insulating layer PAS2 includes a pattern portion extending inthe first direction DR1 between the internal banks to be disposed on thelight emitting elements ED. The pattern portion is disposed to partiallysurround the outer surface of the light emitting element ED, and may notcover sides (or both sides) or ends (or both ends) of the light emittingelement ED. The pattern portion may form a linear or island-like patternin each pixel PX in plan view. The pattern portion of the secondinsulating layer PAS2 may protect the light emitting element ED and fixthe light emitting elements ED during a manufacturing process of thedisplay device 1. Further, the second insulating layer PAS2 may bedisposed to fill the space between the light emitting element ED and thefirst insulating layer PAS1 thereunder. A portion of the secondinsulating layer PAS2 may be disposed on the external bank BNL.

As illustrated in FIG. 9 , the second insulating layer PAS2 may includethe contact portions CT1 and CT2. The second insulating layer PAS2 mayinclude the first contact portion CT1 disposed to overlap the firstalignment electrode RME1, and the second contact portion CT2 disposed tooverlap the second alignment electrode RME2. The contact portions CT1and CT2 may penetrate the second insulating layer PAS2 in addition tothe first insulating layer PAS1. The first contact portions CT1 and thesecond contact portions CT2 may partially expose the top surface of thefirst alignment electrode RME1 or the second alignment electrode RME2disposed thereunder.

The connection electrodes CNE may be disposed on the alignmentelectrodes RME and the internal banks BP.

Each of the first connection electrode CNE1, the third connectionelectrode CNE3, and the fifth connection electrode CNE5 may be disposedon the second insulating layer PAS2 as illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10 ,and may contact the light emitting elements ED.

The first connection electrode CNE1 may partially overlap the firstalignment electrode RME1 and may contact an end of each of the firstlight emitting elements ED1. As illustrated in FIG. 9 , the firstconnection electrode CNE1 may partially overlap the first alignmentelectrode RME1 and may be disposed to extend from the emission area EMAover the external bank BNL. The first connection electrode CNE1 maycontact the first alignment electrode RME1 through the first contactportion CT1 penetrating the first insulating layer PAS1 and the secondinsulating layer PAS2. Accordingly, the first connection electrode CNE1may be electrically connected to the first transistor T1 to be appliedwith the first power voltage.

As illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11 , the third connection electrode CNE3may partially overlap the second alignment electrode RME2 and the thirdalignment electrode RME3 to contact another end of each of the secondlight emitting elements ED2 and an end of each of the third lightemitting elements ED3. The first portion CNE3 a of the third connectionelectrode CNE3 may partially overlap the second alignment electrode RME2to contact another end of each of the second light emitting elementsED2, and the second portion CNE3 b of the third connection electrodeCNE3 may partially overlap the third alignment electrode RME3 to contactan end of each of the third light emitting elements ED3.

As illustrated in FIG. 10 , the fifth connection electrode CNE5 maypartially overlap the third alignment electrode RME3 and may contactanother end of each of the fourth light emitting elements ED4. Asillustrated in FIG. 9 , the fifth connection electrode CNE5 maypartially overlap the third alignment electrode RME3 and may be disposedto extend from the emission area EMA over the external bank BNL. Thefifth connection electrode CNE5 may contact the third alignmentelectrode RME3 through the second contact portion CT2 penetrating thefirst insulating layer PAS1 and the second insulating layer PAS2.Accordingly, the fifth connection electrode CNE5 may be electricallyconnected to the second voltage line VL2 to be applied with the secondpower voltage.

A third insulating layer PAS3 may be disposed on the first connectionelectrode CNE1, the third connection electrode CNE3, the fifthconnection electrode CNE5, and the second insulating layer PAS2. Thethird insulating layer PAS3 may be entirely (or substantially entirely)disposed on the second insulating layer PAS2, and thus the thirdinsulating layer PAS3 may be disposed to cover the first connectionelectrode CNE1, the third connection electrode CNE3, and the fifthconnection electrode CNE5. The second connection electrode CNE2 and thefourth connection electrode CNE4 may be disposed on the third insulatinglayer PAS3. The third insulating layer PAS3 may insulate the firstconnection electrode CNE1, the third connection electrode CNE3, and thefifth connection electrode CNE5 from the second connection electrodeCNE2 and the fourth connection electrode CNE4, such that they do notdirectly contact each other.

Each of the second connection electrode CNE2 and the fourth connectionelectrode CNE4 may be disposed on the third insulating layer PAS3 andmay contact the light emitting elements ED.

As illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11 , the second connection electrode CNE2may partially overlap the first alignment electrode RME1 and the secondalignment electrode RME2 and contact another end of each of the firstlight emitting elements ED1 and an end of each of the second lightemitting elements ED2.

As illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11 , the fourth connection electrode CNE4may partially overlap the second alignment electrode RME2 and the thirdalignment electrode RME3 and contact other ends of the third lightemitting elements ED3 and ends of the fourth light emitting elementsED4.

The connection electrodes CNE may include a conductive material. Forexample, they may include ITO, IZO, ITZO, aluminum (Al), or the like. Asan example, the connection electrodes CNE may include a transparentconductive material, and light emitted from the light emitting elementED may pass through the connection electrodes CNE to be emitted.

Each of the first insulating layer PAS1, the second insulating layerPAS2 and the third insulating layer PAS3 described above may include aninorganic insulating material or an organic insulating material. In anembodiment, each of the first insulating layer PAS1, the secondinsulating layer PAS2, and the third insulating layer PAS3 may be atleast one of silicon oxide (SiO_(x)), silicon nitride (SiN_(x)), andsilicon oxynitride (SiO_(x)N_(y)). The first insulating layer PAS1, thesecond insulating layer PAS2, and the third insulating layer PAS3 may bemade of a same material or different materials. As another example, someof them may be made of the same material and some of them may be made ofdifferent materials.

Hereinafter, other embodiments of the display device 1 will bedescribed. In the following embodiments, description of the samecomponents as those of the above-described embodiment, which are denotedby like reference numerals, will be omitted or simplified, anddifferences will be mainly described.

FIG. 12 is a schematic plan view illustrating a structure of a pixel ofa display device according to another embodiment. FIG. 13 is a schematicplan view illustrating the disposition of the alignment electrode ofFIG. 12 . FIG. 14 is a schematic plan view illustrating the dispositionof the connection electrode and the light emitting element of FIG. 12 .

Referring to FIGS. 12 to 14 , a display device 1_1 according to anotherembodiment illustrates that passages EDA1_1, EDA2_1, EDA3_1, and EDA4_1may be arranged in the shape of an inequality sign (<). An internal bankBP_1, an alignment electrode RME_1, and a connection electrode CNE_1included in the display device 1_1 according to another embodiment maybe arranged to correspond to a shape in which the passages are disposed.

In FIG. 12 , a fifth direction DR5 is additionally defined. The fifthdirection DR5 may refer to an oblique direction passing between thefirst direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. With reference to FIG.12 , one side in the fifth direction DR5 may refer to a directionpointing between one side in the first direction DR1 and one side in thesecond direction DR2, and the other side in the fifth direction DR5 mayrefer to a direction pointing between the other side in the firstdirection DR1 and the other side in the second direction DR2. The fifthdirection DR5 may be a direction on a plane formed by the firstdirection DR1 and the second direction DR2, and may be perpendicular tothe third direction DR3. The fifth direction DR5 may intersect thefourth direction DR4 on a same plane.

The internal banks BP_1 may be disposed in the emission area EMA and mayhave a shape bent in an inequality sign (<) shape convex toward theother side in the first direction DR1. The internal bank BP_1 mayinclude a first internal bank BP1_1, a second internal bank BP2_1, and athird internal bank BP3_1.

Each of the first internal bank BP1_1, the second internal bank BP2_1,and the third internal bank BP3_1 may have a portion extending in thefourth direction DR4 and a portion extending in the fifth direction DR5.The first internal bank BP1_1, the second internal bank BP2_1, and thethird internal bank BP_1 extend in the fourth direction DR4 or the fifthdirection DR5, such that separation spaces among the first internal bankBP1_1, the second internal bank BP2_1, and the third internal bank BP3_1may also extend in the fourth direction DR4 or the fifth direction DR5.Accordingly, the light emitting elements ED may also be arranged in thefourth direction DR4 or the fifth direction DR5.

Alignment electrodes RME_1 may be disposed on the internal bank BP_1.The alignment electrode RME_1 may include a first alignment electrodeRME1_1, a second alignment electrode RME2_1, a third alignment electrodeRME3_1, and a fourth alignment electrode RME4_1 that are disposed to bespaced apart from each other. The first alignment electrode RME1_1 maybe disposed on the first internal bank BP1_1, the second alignmentelectrode RME2_1 and the third alignment electrode RME3_1 may bedisposed on the second internal bank BP2_1, and the fourth alignmentelectrode RME4_1 may be disposed on the third internal bank BP3_1.

The first alignment electrode RME1_1 may have a curved shape in aninequality sign (<) shape protruding substantially toward the other sidein the first direction DR1. The first alignment electrode RME1_1 mayinclude a first portion RME1_1 a extending in the second direction DR2,a second portion RME1_1 b extending in the fourth direction DR4, a thirdportion RME1_1 c extending in the fifth direction DR5, and a fourthportion RME1_1 d extending in the second direction DR2.

The first portion RME1_1 a of the first alignment electrode RME1_1 maycross the external bank BNL and the sub-region SA disposed on the upperside of the emission area EMA, for example, on the other side in thesecond direction DR2. The first portion RME1_1 a may extend to theseparation portion ROP. The first portion RME1_1 a may be electricallyconnected to the above-described circuit element layer through the firstelectrode contact hole CTD penetrating the external bank BNL

The second portion RME1_1 b of the first alignment electrode RME1_1 maybe a portion disposed in the emission area EMA, and may extend in thefourth direction DR4 in the emission area EMA. The second portion RME1_1b may extend from a side of the first portion RME1_1 a in the seconddirection DR2 to another side of the third portion RME1_1 c in thesecond direction DR2.

The third portion RME1_1 c of the first alignment electrode RME1_1 maybe a portion disposed in the emission area EMA, and may extend in thefifth direction DR5 in the emission area EMA. The third portion RME1_1 cmay extend from a side of the second portion RME1_1 b in the seconddirection DR2 to another side of the fourth portion RME1_1 d in thesecond direction DR2.

The fourth portion RME1_1 d of the first alignment electrode RME1_1 maycross the external bank BNL and the sub-region SA disposed on the lowerside of the emission area EMA, for example, on a side in the seconddirection DR2. The fourth portion RME1_1 d may extend to the separationportion ROP.

The second alignment electrode RME2_1 may have a curved shape in aninequality sign (<) shape protruding substantially toward the other sidein the first direction DR1. The second alignment electrode RME2_1 mayinclude a first portion RME2_1 a extending in the second direction DR2,a second portion RME2_1 b extending in the fourth direction DR4, a thirdportion RME2_1 c extending in the fifth direction DR5, and a fourthportion RME2_1 d extending in the second direction DR2.

The first portion RME2_1 a of the second alignment electrode RME2_1 maycross the external bank BNL and the sub-region SA disposed on the upperside of the emission area EMA, for example, on the other side in thesecond direction DR2. The first portion RME2_1 a may extend to theseparation portion ROP.

The second portion RME2_1 b of the second alignment electrode RME2_1 maybe a portion disposed in the emission area EMA, and may extend in thefourth direction DR4 in the emission area EMA. The second portion RME2_1b may extend from a side of the first portion RME2_1 a in the seconddirection DR2 to another side of the third portion RME2_1 c in thesecond direction DR2.

The third portion RME2_1 c of the second alignment electrode RME2_1 maybe a portion disposed in the emission area EMA, and may extend in thefifth direction DR5 in the emission area EMA. The third portion RME2_1 cmay extend from a side of the second portion RME2_1 b in the seconddirection DR2 to another side of the fourth portion RME2_1 d in thesecond direction DR2.

The fourth portion RME2_1 d of the second alignment electrode RME2_1 maycross the external bank BNL and the sub-region SA disposed on the lowerside of the emission area EMA, for example, on a side in the seconddirection DR2. The fourth portion RME2_1 d may extend to the separationportion ROP.

The third alignment electrode RME3_1 may have a curved shape in aninequality sign (<) shape protruding substantially toward the other sidein the first direction DR1. The third alignment electrode RME3_1 mayinclude a first portion RME3_1 a extending in the second direction DR2,a second portion RME3_1 b extending in the fourth direction DR4, a thirdportion RME3_1 c extending in the fifth direction DR5, and a fourthportion RME3_1 d extending in the second direction DR2.

The first portion RME3_1 a of the third alignment electrode RME3_1 maycross the external bank BNL and the sub-region SA disposed on the upperside of the emission area EMA, for example, on the other side in thesecond direction DR2. The first portion RME3_1 a may extend to theseparation portion ROP.

The second portion RME3_1 b of the third alignment electrode RME3_1 maybe a portion disposed in the emission area EMA, and may extend in thefourth direction DR4 in the emission area EMA. The second portion RME3_1b may extend from a side of the first portion RME3_1 a in the seconddirection DR2 to another side of the third portion RME3_1 c in thesecond direction DR2.

The third portion RME3_1 c of the third alignment electrode RME3_1 maybe a portion disposed in the emission area EMA, and may extend in thefifth direction DR5 in the emission area EMA. The third portion RME3_1 cmay extend from a side of the second portion RME3_1 b in the seconddirection DR2 to another side of the fourth portion RME3_1 d in thesecond direction DR2.

The fourth portion RME3_1 d of the third alignment electrode RME3_1 maycross the external bank BNL and the sub-region SA disposed on the lowerside of the emission area EMA, for example, on a side in the seconddirection DR2. The fourth portion RME3_1 d may extend to the separationportion ROP.

The fourth alignment electrode RME4_1 may have a shape bent in aninequality sign (<) shape protruding substantially toward the other sidein the first direction DR1. The fourth alignment electrode RME4_1 mayinclude a first portion RME4_1 a extending in the second direction DR2,a second portion RME4_1 b extending in the fourth direction DR4, a thirdportion RME4_1 c extending in the fifth direction DR5, and a fourthportion RME4_1 d extending in the second direction DR2.

The first portion RME4_1 a of the fourth alignment electrode RME4_1 maycross the external bank BNL and the sub-region SA disposed on the upperside of the emission area EMA, for example, on the other side in thesecond direction DR2. The first portion RME4_1 a may extend to theseparation portion ROP.

The second portion RME4_1 b of the fourth alignment electrode RME4_1 maybe a portion disposed in the emission area EMA, and may extend in thefourth direction DR4 in the emission area EMA. The second portion RME4_1b may extend from a side of the first portion RME4_1 a in the seconddirection DR2 to another side of the third portion RME4_1 c in thesecond direction DR2.

The third portion RME4_1 c of the fourth alignment electrode RME4_1 maybe a portion disposed in the emission area EMA, and may extend in thefifth direction DR5 in the emission area EMA. The third portion RME4_1 cmay extend from a side of the second portion RME4_1 b in the seconddirection DR2 to another side of the fourth portion RME4_1 d in thesecond direction DR2.

The fourth portion RME4_1 d of the fourth alignment electrode RME4_1 maycross the external bank BNL and the sub-region SA disposed on the lowerside of the emission area EMA, for example, on a side in the seconddirection DR2. The fourth portion RME4_1 d may extend to the separationportion ROP. The fourth portion RME4_1 d may be electrically connectedto the above-described circuit element layer through the secondelectrode contact hole CTS penetrating the external bank BNL.

As illustrated in FIG. 13 , the first alignment electrode RME1_11, thesecond alignment electrode RME2_1, the third alignment electrode RME3_1,and the fourth alignment electrode RME4_1 may be spaced apart from eachother in the first direction DR1, and the separation space between thefirst alignment electrode RME1_1 and the second alignment electrodeRME2_1, and the separation space between the third alignment electrodeRME3_1 and the fourth alignment electrode RME4_1 in the emission areaEMA may define the passages EDA1_1, EDA2_1, EDA3_1, and EDA4_1 in whichthe light emitting elements ED are arranged.

A first passage EDA1_1 may be disposed in the separation space betweenthe first portion RME1_1 a of the first alignment electrode RME1_1 andthe first portion RME2_1 a of the second alignment electrode RME2_1, asecond passage EDA2_1 may be disposed in the separation space betweenthe second portion RME1_1 b of the first alignment electrode RME1_1 andthe second portion RME2_1 b of the second alignment electrode RME2_1, athird passage EDA3_1 may be disposed in the separation space between thefirst portion RME3_1 a of the third alignment electrode RME3_1 and thefirst portion RME4_1 a of the fourth alignment electrode RME4_1, and afourth passage EDA4_1 may be disposed in the separation space betweenthe second portion RME3_1 b of the third alignment electrode RME3_1 andthe second portions RME4_1 b of the fourth alignment electrode RME4_1.

Accordingly, the first passage EDA1_1 and the third passage EDA3_1 mayextend in the fourth direction DR4, and the second passage EDA2_1 andthe fourth passage EDA4_1 may extend in the fifth direction DR5. Aseparation space between the first passage EDA1_1 and the second passageEDA2_1 may be a space in which a first portion CNE2_1 a of a secondconnection electrode CNE2_1 to be described below is disposed, and theseparation space between the third passage EDA3_1 and the fourth passageEDA4_1 may be a space in which a first portion CNE4_1 a of a fourthconnection electrode CNE4_1 to be described below is disposed. Theseparation space between the first passage EDA1_1 and the second passageEDA2_1, and the separation space between the third passage EDA3_1 andthe fourth passage EDA4_1 may be positioned in the central portion ofthe emission area EMA.

In case that a first electrical signal is applied to the first alignmentelectrode RME1_1 and the third alignment electrode RME3_1, and a secondelectrical signal is applied to the second alignment electrode RME2_1and the fourth alignment electrode RME4_1, an end of each of the lightemitting elements ED may be arranged on the first alignment electrodeRME1_1 and the third alignment electrode RME3_1, and another end of eachof the light emitting elements ED may be arranged on the secondalignment electrode RME2_1 and the fourth alignment electrode RME4_1.Accordingly, an end ED_1 a of the first light emitting element ED1 maybe disposed on the first alignment electrode RME1_1, another end ED1 bof the first light emitting element ED1 may be disposed on the secondalignment electrode RME2_1, an end ED2 a of the second light emittingelement ED2 may be disposed on the first alignment electrode RME1_1,another end ED2 b of the second light emitting element ED2 may bedisposed on the second alignment electrode RME2_1, an end ED3 a of thethird light emitting element ED3 may be disposed on the third alignmentelectrode RME3_1, another end ED3 b of the third light emitting elementED3 may be disposed on the fourth alignment electrode RME4_1, an end ED4a of the fourth light emitting element ED4 may be disposed on the thirdalignment electrode RME3_1, and another end ED4 b of the fourth lightemitting element ED4 may be disposed on the fourth alignment electrodeRME4_1.

The end and the another end of each of the different light emittingelements ED may be electrically connected by the connection electrodeCNE_1.

The connection electrode CNE_1 may be disposed on the light emittingelement ED. The connection electrode CNE_1 may include a firstconnection electrode CNE1_1, a second connection electrode CNE2_1, athird connection electrode CNE3_1, a fourth connection electrode CNE4_1,and a fifth connection electrode CNE5_1 that are disposed to be spacedapart from each other.

The first connection electrode CNE1_1 may include a first portion CNE1_1a extending substantially in the second direction DR2 and a secondportion CNE1_1 b extending in the fourth direction DR4 in the emissionarea EMA.

The first portion CNE1_1 a of the first connection electrode CNE1_1 maybe disposed on the other side in the second direction DR2 in theemission area EMA to overlap the first alignment electrode RME1_1 in thethird direction DR3, and may be electrically connected to the firstalignment electrode RME1_1 through the first contact portion CT1.

The second portion CNE1_1 b of the first connection electrode CNE1_1 maycontact an end ED1 a of each of the first light emitting elements ED1.The second portion CNE1_1 b may extend in the fourth direction DR4, andmay extend to a portion in which the first passage EDA1_1 is disposed.In other words, the second portion CNE1_1 b may extend to only avicinity of the center of the emission area EMA, for example, a vicinityin which the first light emitting elements ED1 are arranged.

The second connection electrode CNE2_1 may have a shape bent in aninequality sign (<) shape protruding substantially toward the other sidein the first direction DR1. The second connection electrode CNE2_1 mayserve to electrically connect another end ED1 b of the first lightemitting element ED1 with an end ED2 a of the second light emittingelement ED2. The second connection electrode CNE2_1 may include thefirst portion CNE2_1 a extending in the fourth direction DR4 and asecond portion CNE2_1 b extending in the fifth direction DR5.

The first portion CNE2_1 a of the second connection electrode CNE2_1 maycontact another end ED1 b of each of the first light emitting elementsED1. The first portion CNE2_1 a may extend in the fourth direction DR4to a vicinity in which the second portion CNE1_1 b of the firstconnection electrode CNE1_1 extends, for example, to a vicinity in whichthe first light emitting elements ED1 are arranged. The first portionCNE2_1 a may be connected to the second portion CNE2_1 b across theseparation space between the first passage EDA1_1 and the second passageEDA2_1 described above.

The second portion CNE2_1 b of the second connection electrode CNE2_1may contact an end ED2 a of each of the second light emitting elementsED2. The second portion CNE2_1 b may extend in the fifth direction DR5to a vicinity in which the second light emitting elements ED2 arearranged in the emission area EMA.

The third connection electrode CNE3_1 may serve to electrically connectanother end ED2 b of the second light emitting element ED2 with an endED3 a of the third light emitting element ED3. The third connectionelectrode CNE3_1 may include a first portion CNE3_1 a extending in thefifth direction DR5, a second portion CNE3_1 b extending in the fourthdirection DR4, and a connection portion CNE3_1 c connecting the firstportion CNE3_1 a with the second portion CNE3_1 b.

The first portion CNE3_1 a of the third connection electrode CNE3_1 maycontact another end ED2 b of each of the second light emitting elementsED2. The first portion CNE3_1 a may extend in the fifth direction DR5 toa vicinity in which the second light emitting elements ED2 are arrangedin the emission area EMA. In other words, the first portion CNE3_1 a ofthe third connection electrode CNE3_1 may extend to a vicinity in whichthe second portion CNE2_1 b of the second connection electrode CNE2_1 isdisposed.

The second portion CNE3_1 b of the third connection electrode CNE3_1 maycontact an end ED3 a of each of the third light emitting elements ED3.The second portion CNE3_1 b may extend in the fourth direction DR4 to avicinity in which the third light emitting element ED3 is arranged inthe emission area EMA.

The connection portion CNE3_1 c of the third connection electrode CNE3_1may serve to connect the first portion CNE3_1 a with the second portionCNE3_1 b. The third connection electrode CNE3_1 may connect another sideof the first portion CNE3_1 a in the second direction DR2 with a side ofthe second portion CNE3_1 b in the second direction DR2. The thirdconnection electrode CNE3_1 may extend in a direction crossing thefourth direction DR4 or the fifth direction DR5 to connect the firstportion CNE3_1 a with the second portion CNE3_1 b. In some embodiments,the connection portion CNE3_1 c may be positioned at the central portionof the emission area EMA.

The fourth connection electrode CNE4_ may have a curved shape in aninequality sign (<) shape protruding substantially toward the other sidein the first direction DR1. The fourth connection electrode CNE4_1 mayserve to electrically connect another end ED3 b of the third lightemitting element ED3 with an end ED4 a of the fourth light emittingelement ED4. The fourth connection electrode CNE4_1 may include thefirst portion CNE4_1 a extending in the fourth direction DR4 and asecond portion CNE4_1 b extending in the fifth direction DR5.

The first portion CNE4_1 a of the fourth connection electrode CNE4_1 maycontact another end ED3 b of each of the third light emitting elementsED3. The first portion CNE4_1 a may extend in the fourth direction DR4to a vicinity in which the second portion CNE3_1 b of the thirdconnection electrode CNE3_1 extends, for example, to a vicinity in whichthe third light emitting elements ED3 are arranged. The first portionCNE4_1 a may be connected to the second portion CNE4_1 b across theseparation space between the third passage EDA3_1 and the fourth passageEDA4_1 described above.

The second portion CNE4_1 b of the fourth connection electrode CNE4_1may contact an end ED4 a of each of the fourth light emitting elementsED4. The second portion CNE4_1 b may extend in the fifth direction DR5to a vicinity in which the fourth light emitting elements ED4 arearranged in the emission area EMA.

The fifth connection electrode CNE5_1 may include a first portion CNE5_1a extending substantially in the second direction DR2 and a secondportion CNE5_1 b extending in the fifth direction DR5 in the emissionarea EMA.

The first portion CNE5_1 a of the fifth connection electrode CNE5_1 mayoverlap the fourth alignment electrode RME4_1 in the third directionDR3, and may be electrically connected to the fourth alignment electrodeRME4_1 through the second contact portion CT2.

The second portion CNE5_1 b of the fifth connection electrode CNE5_1 maycontact another end ED4 b of each of the fourth light emitting elementsED4. The second portion CNE5_1 b may extend in the fifth direction DR5,and may extend to a portion in which the fourth passage EDA4_1 isdisposed. In other words, the second portion CNE5_1 b may extend to onlya vicinity of the center of the emission area EMA, for example, avicinity in which the fourth light emitting elements ED4 are arranged.

Similar to the case of the display device 1 according to an embodiment,the length of each of the first passage EDA1_1, the second passageEDA2_1, the third passage EDA3_1, and the fourth passage EDA4_1 in thefourth direction DR4 according to another embodiment may besubstantially equal to or greater than a half of the length of the longside EMAb of the emission area EMA in the second direction DR2. A lengthL1_1 of the first passage EDA1_1 in the fourth direction DR4, a lengthL2_1 of the second passage EDA2_1 in the fifth direction DR5, a lengthL3_1 of the third passage EDA3_1 in the fourth direction DR4, and alength L4_1 of the fourth passage EDA4_1 in the fifth direction DR5 maybe substantially equal to or greater than the length of the first widthH1.

Each of the length L1_1 of the first passage EDA1_1 in the fourthdirection DR4, the length L2_1 of the second passage EDA2_1 in the fifthdirection DR5, the length L3_1 of the third passage EDA3_1 in the fourthdirection DR4, and the length L4_1 of the fourth passage EDA4_1 in thefifth direction DR5 may be substantially equal to or greater than about44 μm.

With the above-described configuration, the number of light emittingelements ED that provides the minimum luminous efficiency required bythe display device while the light emitting elements ED are freelydisposed, may be readily secured.

FIG. 15 is a schematic plan view illustrating a structure of a pixel ofa display device according to yet another embodiment. FIG. 16 is aschematic plan view illustrating the disposition of the alignmentelectrode of FIG. 15 . FIG. 17 is a schematic plan view illustrating thedisposition of the connection electrode and the light emitting elementof FIG. 15 .

Referring to FIGS. 15 to 17 , a display device 1_2 according to anotherembodiment is illustrated as an example that each of passages EDA1_2,EDA2_2, EDA3_2, and EDA4_2 on which the light emitting element ED isdisposed, may be curved at least once. An internal bank BP_2, analignment electrode RME_2, and a connection electrode CNE_2 included inthe display device 1_2 according to another embodiment may be arrangedto correspond to a shape in which the passages are disposed.

The internal banks BP_2 may be disposed in the emission area EMA and mayhave a shape bent twice in an inequality sign (<) shape convex towardthe other side in the first direction DR1. The internal bank BP_2 mayinclude a first internal bank BP1_2, a second internal bank BP2_2, and athird internal bank BP3_2.

Each of the first internal bank BP1_2, the second internal bank BP2_2,and the third internal bank BP3_2 may have a portion extending in thefourth direction DR4 and a portion extending in the fifth direction DR5.

The first internal bank BP1_2, the second internal bank BP2_2, and thethird internal bank BP3_2 may extend in the fourth direction DR4 or thefifth direction DR5, such that separation spaces among the firstinternal bank BP1_2, the second internal bank BP2_2, and the thirdinternal bank BP3_2 may also extend in the fourth direction DR4 or thefifth direction DR5. Accordingly, the light emitting elements ED mayalso be arranged in the fourth direction DR4 or the fifth direction DR5.

Alignment electrodes RME_2 may be disposed on the internal bank BP_2.The alignment electrode RME_2 may include a first alignment electrodeRME1_2, a second alignment electrode RME2_2, a third alignment electrodeRME3_2, and a fourth alignment electrode RME4_2 that are disposed to bespaced apart from each other. The first alignment electrode RME1_2 maybe disposed on the first internal bank BP1_2, the second alignmentelectrode RME2_2 and the third alignment electrode RME3_2 may bedisposed on the second internal bank BP2_2, and the fourth alignmentelectrode RME4_2 may be disposed on the third internal bank BP3_2.

The first alignment electrode RME1_2 may have a twice-curved shape in aninequality sign (<) shape protruding substantially toward the other sidein the first direction DR1. The first alignment electrode RME1_2 mayinclude a first portion RME1_2 a extending in the second direction DR2,a second portion RME1_2 b curved in an inequality sign (<) shape, athird portion RME1_2 c curved in an inequality sign (<) shape, and afourth portion RME1_2 d extending in the second direction DR2.

Since the description of the first portion RME1_2 a and the fourthportion RME1_2 d of the first alignment electrode RME1_2 may besubstantially the same as the description of the first portion RME1_1 aand the fourth portion RME1_1 d of the first alignment electrode RME1_1according to the embodiment of FIG. 12 , the description thereof will beomitted.

The second portion RME1_2 b of the first alignment electrode RME1_2 maybe a portion disposed in the emission area EMA, and may have atwice-curved shape in an inequality sign (<) shape protruding to theother side in the first direction DR1. The second portion RME1_2 b mayinclude a first inclined portion RME1_2 ba extending in the fourthdirection DR4 from the emission area EMA and a second inclined portionRME1_2 bb extending in the fifth direction DR5.

The third portion RME1_2 c of the first alignment electrode RME1_2 maybe a portion disposed in the emission area EMA, and may have a curvedshape in an inequality sign (<) shape protruding to the other side inthe first direction DR1. The third portion RME1_2 c may include a firstinclined portion RME1_2 ca extending in the fourth direction DR4 fromthe emission area EMA and a second inclined portion RME1_2 cb extendingin the fifth direction DR5.

The second alignment electrode RME2_2 may have a twice-curved shape inan inequality sign (<) shape protruding substantially toward the otherside in the first direction DR1. The second alignment electrode RME2_2may include a first portion RME2_2 a extending in the second directionDR2, a second portion RME2_2 b curved in an inequality sign (<) shape, athird portion RME2_2 c curved in an inequality sign (<) shape, and afourth portion RME2_2 d extending in the second direction DR2.

Since the description of the first portion RME2_2 a and the fourthportion RME2_2 d of the second alignment electrode RME2_2 may besubstantially the same as the description of the first portion RME2_1 aand the fourth portion RME2_1 d of the second alignment electrode RME2_1according to the embodiment of FIG. 12 , the description thereof will beomitted.

The second portion RME2_2 b of the second alignment electrode RME2_2 maybe a portion disposed in the emission area EMA, and may have atwice-curved shape in an inequality sign (<) shape protruding to theother side in the first direction DR1. The second portion RME2_2 b mayinclude a first inclined portion RME2_2 ba extending in the fourthdirection DR4 from the emission area EMA and a second inclined portionRME2_2 bb extending in the fifth direction DR5.

The third portion RME2_2 c of the second alignment electrode RME2_2 maybe a portion disposed in the emission area EMA, and may have a curvedshape in an inequality sign (<) shape protruding to the other side inthe first direction DR1. The third portion RME2_2 c may include a firstinclined portion RME2_2 ca extending in the fourth direction DR4 fromthe emission area EMA and a second inclined portion RME2_2 cb extendingin the fifth direction DR5.

The third alignment electrode RME3_2 may have a twice-curved shape in aninequality sign (<) shape protruding substantially toward the other sidein the first direction DR1. The third alignment electrode RME3_2 mayinclude a first portion RME3_2 a extending in the second direction DR2,a second portion RME3_2 b curved in an inequality sign (<) shape, athird portion RME3_2 c curved in an inequality sign (<) shape, and afourth portion RME3_2 d extending in the second direction DR2.

Since the description of the first portion RME3_2 a and the fourthportion RME3_2 d of the third alignment electrode RME3_2 may besubstantially the same as the description of the first portion RME3_1 aand the fourth portion RME3_1 d of the third alignment electrode RME3_1according to the embodiment of FIG. 12 , the description thereof will beomitted.

The second portion RME3_2 b of the third alignment electrode RME3_2 maybe a portion disposed in the emission area EMA, and may have atwice-curved shape in an inequality sign (<) shape protruding to theother side in the first direction DR1. The second portion RME3_2 b mayinclude a first inclined portion RME3_2 ba extending in the fourthdirection DR4 from the emission area EMA and a second inclined portionRME3_2 bb extending in the fifth direction DR5.

The third portion RME3_2 c of the third alignment electrode RME3_2 maybe a portion disposed in the emission area EMA, and may have a curvedshape in an inequality sign (<) shape protruding to the other side inthe first direction DR1. The third portion RME3_2 c may include a firstinclined portion RME3_2 ca extending in the fourth direction DR4 fromthe emission area EMA and a second inclined portion RME3_2 cb extendingin the fifth direction DR5.

The fourth alignment electrode RME4_2 may have a twice-curved shape inan inequality sign (<) shape protruding substantially toward the otherside in the first direction DR1. The fourth alignment electrode RME4_2may include a first portion RME4_2 a extending in the second directionDR2, a second portion RME4_2 b curved in an inequality sign (<) shape, athird portion RME4_2 c curved in an inequality sign (<) shape, and afourth portion RME4_2 d extending in the second direction DR2.

Since the description of the first portion RME4_2 a and the fourthportion RME4_2 d of the fourth alignment electrode RME4_2 may besubstantially the same as the description of the first portion RME4_1 aand the fourth portion RME4_1 d of the fourth alignment electrode RME4_1according to the embodiment of FIG. 12 , the description thereof will beomitted.

The second portion RME4_2 b of the fourth alignment electrode RME4_2 maybe a portion disposed in the emission area EMA, and may have atwice-curved shape in an inequality sign (<) shape protruding to theother side in the first direction DR1. The second portion RME4_2 b mayinclude a first inclined portion RME4_2 ba extending in the fourthdirection DR4 from the emission area EMA and a second inclined portionRME4_2 bb extending in the fifth direction DR5.

The third portion RME4_2 c of the second alignment electrode RME4_2 maybe a portion disposed in the emission area EMA, and may have a curvedshape in an inequality sign (<) shape protruding to the other side inthe first direction DR1. The third portion RME4_2 c may include a firstinclined portion RME4_2 ca extending in the fourth direction DR4 fromthe emission area EMA and a second inclined portion RME4_2 cb extendingin the fifth direction DR5.

As illustrated in FIG. 16 , the first alignment electrode RME1_2, thesecond alignment electrode RME2_2, the third alignment electrode RME3_2,and the fourth alignment electrode RME4_2 may be spaced apart from eachother in the first direction DR1, and the separation space between thefirst alignment electrode RME1_2 and the second alignment electrodeRME2_2, and the separation space between the third alignment electrodeRME3_2 and the fourth alignment electrode RME4_2 in the emission areaEMA may define the passages EDA1_2, EDA2_2, EDA3_2, and EDA4_2 in whichthe light emitting elements ED are arranged.

The first passage EDA1_2 may be disposed in the separation space betweenthe first portion RME1_2 a of the first alignment electrode RME1_2 andthe first portion RME2_2 a of the second alignment electrode RME2_2, thesecond passage EDA2_2 may be disposed in the separation space betweenthe second portion RME1_2 b of the first alignment electrode RME1_2 andthe second portion RME2_2 b of the second alignment electrode RME2_2,the third passage EDA3_2 may be disposed in the separation space betweenthe first portion RME3_2 a of the third alignment electrode RME3_2 andthe first portion RME4_2 a of the fourth alignment electrode RME4_2, andthe fourth passage EDA4_2 may be disposed in the separation spacebetween the second portion RME3_2 b of the third alignment electrodeRME3_2 and the second portions RME4_2 b of the fourth alignmentelectrode RME4_2.

Accordingly, the first passage EDA1_2, the second passage EDA2_2, thethird passage EDA3_2, and the fourth passage EDA4_2 may have aninequality sign (<) shape, which is convex toward the other side in thefirst direction DR1, including a portion extending in the fourthdirection DR4 and a portion extending in the fifth direction DR5. Aseparation space between the first passage EDA1_2 and the second passageEDA2_2 may be a space in which a first inclined portion CNE2_2 ba of asecond connection electrode CNE2_2 to be described below is disposed,and the separation space between the third passage EDA3_2 and the fourthpassage EDA4_2 may be a space in which a first inclined portion CNE4_2ba of a fourth connection electrode CNE4_2 to be described below isdisposed. The separation space between the first passage EDA1_2 and thesecond passage EDA2_2, and the separation space between the thirdpassage EDA3_2 and the fourth passage EDA4_2 may be positioned in thecentral portion of the emission area EMA.

Since the orientation relationship of the light emitting element ED ofthe display device 1_2 according to this embodiment may be substantiallythe same as the orientation relationship of the light emitting elementED of the display device 1_1 according to the embodiment of FIG. 12 ,the description thereof will be omitted.

The connection electrode CNE_2 may be disposed on the light emittingelement ED. The connection electrode CNE_2 may include a firstconnection electrode CNE1_2, a second connection electrode CNE2_2, athird connection electrode CNE3_2, a fourth connection electrode CNE4_2,and a fifth connection electrode CNE5_2 that are disposed to be spacedapart from each other.

The first connection electrode CNE1_2 may include a first portion CNE1_2a extending substantially in the second direction DR2 and a secondportion CNE1_2 b having an inequality sign (<) shape convex toward theother side in the first direction DR1 in the emission area EMA.

The first portion CNE1_2 a of the first connection electrode CNE1_2 mayoverlap the first alignment electrode RME1_2 in the third direction DR3,and may be electrically connected to the first alignment electrodeRME1_2 through the first contact portion CT1.

The second portion CNE1_2 b of the first connection electrode CNE1_2 maycontact an end ED1 a of each of the first light emitting elements ED1.The second portion CNE1_2 b may include a first inclined portion CNE1_2ba extending in the fourth direction DR4 and a second inclined portionCNE1_2 bb extending in the fifth direction DR5.

The second connection electrode CNE2_2 may have a twice-curved shape inan inequality sign (<) shape protruding substantially toward the otherside in the first direction DR1. The second connection electrode CNE2_2may serve to electrically connect another end ED1 b of the first lightemitting element ED1 with an end ED2 a of the second light emittingelement ED2. The second connection electrode CNE2_2 may include a firstportion CNE2_2 a curved in an inequality sign (<) shape protruding tothe other side in the first direction DR1, and a second portion CNE2_2 bcurved in an inequality sign (<) shape protruding to the other side inthe first direction DR1.

The first portion CNE2_2 a of the second connection electrode CNE2_2 maycontact another end ED1 b of each of the first light emitting elementsED1. The first portion CNE2_2 a may include a first inclined portionCNE2_2 aa extending in the fourth direction DR4 and a second inclinedportion CNE2_2 ab extending in the fifth direction DR5.

The second portion CNE2_2 b of the second connection electrode CNE2_2may contact an end ED2 a of each of the second light emitting elementsED2. The second portion CNE2_2 b may include a first inclined portionCNE2_2 ba extending in the fourth direction DR4 and a second inclinedportion CNE2_2 bb extending in the fifth direction DR5.

The first inclined portion CNE2_2 ba of the second portion CNE2_2 b maybe connected to the first portion CNE2_2 a across the separation spacebetween the first passage EDA1_2 and the second passage EDA2_2 describedabove.

The third connection electrode CNE3_2 may serve to electrically connectanother end ED2 b of the second light emitting element ED2 with an endED3 a of the third light emitting element ED3. The third connectionelectrode CNE3_2 may include a first portion CNE3_2 a curved in aninequality sign (<) shape protruding to the other side in the firstdirection DR1, a second portion CNE3_2 b curved in an inequality sign(<) shape protruding to the other side in the first direction DR1, and aconnection portion CNE3_2 c connecting the first portion CNE3_2 a withthe second portion CNE3_2 b.

The first portion CNE3_2 a of the third connection electrode CNE3_2 maycontact another end ED2 b of each of the second light emitting elementsED2. The first portion CNE3_2 a may include a first inclined portionCNE3_2 aa extending in the fourth direction DR4 and a second inclinedportion CNE3_2 ab extending in the fifth direction DR5.

The second portion CNE3_2 b of the third connection electrode CNE3_2 maycontact an end ED3 a of each of the third light emitting elements ED3.The second portion CNE3_2 b may include a first inclined portion CNE3_2ba extending in the fourth direction DR4 and a second inclined portionCNE3_2 bb extending in the fifth direction DR5.

The connection portion CNE3_2 c of the third connection electrode CNE3_2may serve to connect the first portion CNE3_2 a with the second portionCNE3_2 b. The third connection electrode CNE3_2 may extend in adirection crossing the fourth direction DR4 or the fifth direction DR5to connect the first portion CNE3_2 a with the second portion CNE3_2 b.In some embodiments, the connection portion CNE3_2 c may be positionedat the central portion of the emission area EMA.

The fourth connection electrode CNE4_2 may have a twice-curved shape inan inequality sign (<) shape protruding substantially toward the otherside in the first direction DR1. The fourth connection electrode CNE4_2may serve to electrically connect another end ED3 b of the third lightemitting element ED3 with an end ED4 a of the fourth light emittingelement ED4. The fourth connection electrode CNE4_2 may include a firstportion CNE4_2 a curved in an inequality sign (<) shape protruding tothe other side in the first direction DR1, and a second portion CNE4_2 bcurved in an inequality sign (<) shape protruding to the other side inthe first direction DR1.

The first portion CNE4_2 a of the fourth connection electrode CNE4_2 maycontact another end ED3 b of each of the third light emitting elementsED3. The first portion CNE4_2 a may include a first inclined portionCNE4_2 aa extending in the fourth direction DR4 and a second inclinedportion CNE4_2 ab extending in the fifth direction DR5.

The second portion CNE4_2 b of the fourth connection electrode CNE4_2may contact an end ED4 a of each of the fourth light emitting elementsED4. The second portion CNE4_2 b may include a first inclined portionCNE4_2 ba extending in the fourth direction DR4 and a second inclinedportion CNE4_2 bb extending in the fifth direction DR5.

The first inclined portion CNE4_2 ba of the second portion CNE4_2 b maybe connected to the first portion CNE4_2 a across the separation spacebetween the third passage EDA3_2 and the fourth passage EDA4_2 describedabove.

The fifth connection electrode CNE5_2 may include a first portion CNE5_2a extending substantially in the second direction DR2 and a secondportion CNE5_2 b having an inequality sign (<) shape convex toward theother side in the first direction DR1 in the emission area EMA.

The first portion CNE5_2 a of the fifth connection electrode CNE5_2 mayoverlap the fourth alignment electrode RME4_2 in the third directionDR3, and may be electrically connected to the fourth alignment electrodeRME4_2 through the second contact portion CT2.

The second portion CNE5_2 b of the fifth connection electrode CNE5_2 maycontact another end ED1 b of each of the fourth light emitting elementsED4. The second portion CNE5_2 b may include a first inclined portionCNE5_2 ba extending in the fourth direction DR4 and a second inclinedportion CNE5_2 bb extending in the fifth direction DR5.

On the other hand, each of the first passage EDA1_2, the second passageEDA2_2, the third passage EDA3_2, and the fourth passage EDA4_2 thathave an inequality sign (<) shape convex to the other side in the firstdirection DR1, including a portion extending in the fourth direction DR4and a portion extending in the fifth direction DR5, may have a lengthsubstantially equal to or greater than the first width H1. A length L1_2of the first passage EDA1_2 may be about the sum of the length of aportion extending in the fourth direction DR4 and the length of aportion extending in the fifth direction DR5, a length L2_2 of thesecond passage EDA2_2 may be about the sum of the length of a portionextending in the fourth direction DR4 and the length of a portionextending in the fifth direction DR5, a length L3_2 of the third passageEDA3_2 may be about the sum of the length of a portion extending in thefourth direction DR4 and the length of a portion extending in the fifthdirection DR5, and a length L4_2 of the fourth passage EDA4_2 may beabout the sum of the length of a portion extending in the fourthdirection DR4 and the length of a portion extending in the fifthdirection DR5.

Each of the length L1_2 of the first passage EDA1_2 in the fourthdirection DR4, the length L2_2 of the second passage EDA2_2 in the fifthdirection DR5, the length L3_2 of the third passage EDA3_2 in the fourthdirection DR4, and the length L4_2 of the fourth passage EDA4_2 in thefifth direction DR5 may be substantially equal to or greater than about44 μm.

With the above-described configuration, it is possible to more readilysecure the number of light emitting elements ED providing the minimumluminous efficiency required for a display device.

FIG. 18 is a schematic plan view illustrating a structure of a pixel ofa display device according to yet another embodiment. FIG. 19 is aschematic plan view illustrating the disposition of the alignmentelectrode of FIG. 18 . FIG. 20 is a schematic plan view illustrating thedisposition of the connection electrode and the light emitting elementof FIG. 18 .

Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19 , it is illustrated as an example that in adisplay device 1_3 according to this embodiment, passages EDA1_3,EDA2_3, EDA3_3, and EDA4_3 in which the light emitting element ED isdisposed may form an ‘X’ shape. An internal bank BP_3, an alignmentelectrode RME_3, and a connection electrode CNE_3 included in thedisplay device 1_3 according to this embodiment may be arranged tocorrespond to a shape in which the passages EDA1_3, EDA2_3, EDA3_3, andEDA4_3 are disposed.

The internal banks BP_3 may be disposed in the emission area EMA, andmay have a shape bent in an inequality sign (<) shape convex to theother side in the first direction DR1 or an inequality sign (>) shapeconvex to one side in the first direction DR1. The internal bank BP_3may include a first internal bank BP1_3, a second internal bank BP2_3,and a third internal bank BP3_3.

The first internal bank BP1_3 may have a shape bent in an inequalitysign (>) shape convex to one side in the first direction DR1. The firstinternal bank BP1_3 may be disposed on another side of the emission areaEMA in the first direction DR1.

The second internal bank BP2_3 may include a first-side internal bankBP2_3 a having a shape bent in an inequality sign (>) shape convex inone side in the first direction DR1 and a second-side internal bankBP2_3 b having a shape bent an inequality sign (<) shape convex in theother side in the first direction DR1.

The first-side internal bank BP2_3 a may be disposed on a side of thefirst internal bank BP1_3 in the first direction DR1 to be engaged withthe shape of the first internal bank BP1_3, and the second-side internalbank BP2_3 b may be disposed on a side of the first-side internal bankBP2_3 a in the first direction DR1 to be symmetrical with the shape ofthe first-side internal bank BP2_3 a.

The third internal bank BP_3 may have a shape bent in an inequality sign(<) shape convex toward the other side in the first direction DR1. Thethird internal bank BP3_3 may be disposed on a side of the emission areaEMA in the first direction DR1, for example, a side of the second-sideinternal bank BP2_3 b in the first direction DR1, to be engaged with ashape of the second-side internal bank BP2_3 b.

Each of the first internal bank BP1_3, the second internal bank BP2_3,and the third internal bank BP3_3 may have a portion extending in thefourth direction DR4 and a portion extending in the fifth direction DR5.

The first internal bank BP1_3, the second internal bank BP2_3, and thethird internal bank BP3_3 extend in the fourth direction DR4 or thefifth direction DR5, such that separation spaces among the firstinternal bank BP1_3, the second internal bank BP2_3, and the thirdinternal bank BP3_3 may also extend in the fourth direction DR4 or thefifth direction DR5. Accordingly, the light emitting elements ED mayalso be arranged in the fourth direction DR4 or the fifth direction DR5.

Alignment electrodes RME_3 may be disposed on the internal bank BP_3.The alignment electrode RME_3 may include a first alignment electrodeRME1_3, a second alignment electrode RME2_3, a third alignment electrodeRME3_3, and a fourth alignment electrode RME4_3 that are disposed to bespaced apart from each other. The first alignment electrode RME1_3 maybe disposed on the first internal bank BP1_3, the second alignmentelectrode RME2_3 may be disposed on the first-side internal bank BP2_3 aof the second internal bank BP2_3, the third alignment electrode RME3_3may be disposed on the second-side internal bank BP2_3 b of the secondinternal bank BP2_3, and the fourth alignment electrode RME4_3 may bedisposed on the third internal bank BP3_3.

The first alignment electrode RME1_3 may have a curved shape in aninequality sign (>) shape protruding substantially toward a side in thefirst direction DR1. The first alignment electrode RME1_3 may include afirst portion RME1_3 a extending in the second direction DR2, a secondportion RME1_3 b extending in the fifth direction DR5, a third portionRME1_3 c extending in the fourth direction DR4, and a fourth portionRME1_3 d extending in the second direction DR2.

The first portion RME1_3 a of the first alignment electrode RME1_3 maycross the external bank BNL and the sub-region SA disposed on the upperside of the emission area EMA, for example, on the other side in thesecond direction DR2. The first portion RME1_3 a may extend to theseparation portion ROP.

The second portion RME1_3 b of the first alignment electrode RME1_3 maybe a portion disposed in the emission area EMA, and may extend in thefifth direction DR5 in the emission area EMA. The second portion RME1_3b may extend from a side of the first portion RME1_3 a in the seconddirection DR2 to another side of the third portion RME1_3 c in thesecond direction DR2.

The third portion RME1_3 c of the first alignment electrode RME1_3 maybe a portion disposed in the emission area EMA, and may extend in thefourth direction DR4 in the emission area EMA. The third portion RME1_3c may extend from a side of the second portion RME1_3 b in the seconddirection DR2 to another side of the fourth portion RME1_3 d in thesecond direction DR2.

The fourth portion RME1_3 d of the first alignment electrode RME1_3 maycross the external bank BNL and the sub-region SA disposed on the lowerside of the emission area EMA, for example, on a side in the seconddirection DR2. The fourth portion RME1_3 d may extend to the separationportion ROP. The fourth portion RME1_3 d may be electrically connectedto the above-described circuit element layer through the first electrodecontact hole CTD penetrating the external bank BNL.

The second alignment electrode RME2_3 may have a curved shape in aninequality sign (>) shape protruding substantially toward one side inthe first direction DR1. The second alignment electrode RME2_3 mayinclude a first portion RME2_3 a extending in the second direction DR2,a second portion RME2_3 b extending in the fifth direction DR5, a thirdportion RME2_3 c extending in the fourth direction DR4, and a fourthportion RME2_3 d extending in the second direction DR2.

The first portion RME2_3 a of the second alignment electrode RME2_3 maycross the external bank BNL and the sub-region SA disposed on the upperside of the emission area EMA, for example, on the other side in thesecond direction DR2. The first portion RME2_3 a may extend to theseparation portion ROP.

The second portion RME2_3 b of the second alignment electrode RME2_3 maybe a portion disposed in the emission area EMA, and may extend in thefifth direction DR5 in the emission area EMA. The second portion RME2_3b may extend from a side of the first portion RME2_3 a in the seconddirection DR2 to another side of the third portion RME2_3 c in thesecond direction DR2.

The third portion RME2_3 c of the second alignment electrode RME2_3 maybe a portion disposed in the emission area EMA, and may extend in thefourth direction DR4 in the emission area EMA. The third portion RME2_3c may extend from a side of the second portion RME2_3 b in the seconddirection DR2 to another side of the fourth portion RME2_3 d in thesecond direction DR2.

The fourth portion RME2_3 d of the second alignment electrode RME2_3 maycross the external bank BNL and the sub-region SA disposed on the lowerside of the emission area EMA, for example, on a side in the seconddirection DR2. The fourth portion RME2_3 d may extend to the separationportion ROP.

The third alignment electrode RME3_3 may have a curved shape in aninequality sign (<) shape protruding substantially toward the other sidein the first direction DR1. The third alignment electrode RME3_3 mayinclude a first portion RME3_3 a extending in the second direction DR2,a second portion RME3_3 b extending in the fourth direction DR4, a thirdportion RME3_3 c extending in the fifth direction DR5, and a fourthportion RME3_3 d extending in the second direction DR2.

The first portion RME3_3 a of the third alignment electrode RME3_3 maycross the external bank BNL and the sub-region SA disposed on the upperside of the emission area EMA, for example, on the other side in thesecond direction DR2. The first portion RME3_3 a may extend to theseparation portion ROP.

The second portion RME3_3 b of the third alignment electrode RME3_3 maybe a portion disposed in the emission area EMA, and may extend in thefourth direction DR4 in the emission area EMA. The second portion RME3_3b may extend from a side of the first portion RME3_3 a in the seconddirection DR2 to another side of the third portion RME3_3 c in thesecond direction DR2.

The third portion RME3_3 c of the third alignment electrode RME3_3 maybe a portion disposed in the emission area EMA, and may extend in thefifth direction DR5 in the emission area EMA. The third portion RME3_3 cmay extend from a side of the second portion RME3_3 b in the seconddirection DR2 to another side of the fourth portion RME3_3 d in thesecond direction DR2.

The fourth portion RME3_3 d of the third alignment electrode RME3_3 maycross the external bank BNL and the sub-region SA disposed on the lowerside of the emission area EMA, for example, on one side in the seconddirection DR2. The fourth portion RME3_3 d may extend to the separationportion ROP.

The fourth alignment electrode RME4_3 may have a curved shape in aninequality sign (<) shape protruding substantially toward the other sidein the first direction DR1. The fourth alignment electrode RME4_3 mayinclude a first portion RME4_3 a extending in the second direction DR2,a second portion RME4_3 b extending in the fourth direction DR4, a thirdportion RME4_3 c extending in the fifth direction DR5, and a fourthportion RME4_3 d extending in the second direction DR2.

The first portion RME4_3 a of the fourth alignment electrode RME4_3 maycross the external bank BNL and the sub-region SA disposed on the upperside of the emission area EMA, for example, on the other side in thesecond direction DR2. The first portion RME4_3 a may extend to theseparation portion ROP.

The second portion RME4_3 b of the fourth alignment electrode RME4_3 maybe a portion disposed in the emission area EMA, and may extend in thefourth direction DR4 in the emission area EMA. The second portion RME4_3b may extend from a side of the first portion RME4_3 a in the seconddirection DR2 to another side of the third portion RME4_3 c in thesecond direction DR2.

The third portion RME4_3 c of the fourth alignment electrode RME4_3 maybe a portion disposed in the emission area EMA, and may extend in thefifth direction DR5 in the emission area EMA. The third portion RME4_3 cmay extend from a side of the second portion RME4_3 b in the seconddirection DR2 to another side of the fourth portion RME4_3 d in thesecond direction DR2.

The fourth portion RME4_3 d of the fourth alignment electrode RME4_3 maycross the external bank BNL and the sub-region SA disposed on the lowerside of the emission area EMA, for example, on one side in the seconddirection DR2. The fourth portion RME4_3 d may extend to the separationportion ROP. The fourth portion RME4_3 d may be electrically connectedto the above-described circuit element layer through the secondelectrode contact hole CTS penetrating the external bank BNL.

As illustrated in FIG. 19 , the first alignment electrode RME1_3, thesecond alignment electrode RME2_3, the third alignment electrode RME3_3,and the fourth alignment electrode RME4_3 may be spaced apart from eachother in the first direction DR1, and the separation space between thefirst alignment electrode RME1_3 and the second alignment electrodeRME2_3, and the separation space between the third alignment electrodeRME3_3 and the fourth alignment electrode RME4_3 in the emission areaEMA may define the passages EDA1_3, EDA2_3, EDA3_3, and EDA4_3 in whichthe light emitting elements ED are arranged.

The second passage EDA2_3 may be disposed in the separation spacebetween the first portion RME1_3 a of the first alignment electrodeRME1_3 and the first portion RME2_3 a of the second alignment electrodeRME2_3, the first passage EDA1_3 may be disposed in the separation spacebetween the second portion RME1_3 b of the first alignment electrodeRME1_3 and the second portion RME2_3 b of the second alignment electrodeRME2_3, the third passage EDA3_3 may be disposed in the separation spacebetween the first portion RME3_3 a of the third alignment electrodeRME3_3 and the first portion RME4_3 a of the fourth alignment electrodeRME4_3, and the fourth passage EDA4_3 may be disposed in the separationspace between the second portion RME3_3 b of the third alignmentelectrode RME3_3 and the second portions RME4_3 b of the fourthalignment electrode RME4_3.

Accordingly, the first passage EDA1_3 and the third passage EDA3_3 mayextend in the fourth direction DR4, and the second passage EDA2_3 andthe fourth passage EDA4_3 may extend in the fifth direction DRS. Thefirst passage EDA1_3 may be disposed on a side of the second passageEDA2_3 in the second direction DR2, and accordingly, the shape of thepassages EDA1_3, EDA2_3, EDA3_3, and EDA4_3 may have an ‘X’ shape. Onthe other hand, the separation space between the first passage EDA1_3and the second passage EDA2_3 may be a space in which a second portionCNE2_3 b of a second connection electrode CNE2_3 to be described belowis disposed, and the separation space between the third passage EDA3_3and the fourth passage EDA4_3 may be a space in which a first portionCNE4_3 a of a fourth connection electrode CNE4_3 to be described belowis disposed. The separation space between the first passage EDA1_3 andthe second passage EDA2_3, and the separation space between the thirdpassage EDA3_3 and the fourth passage EDA4_3 may be positioned in thecentral portion of the emission area EMA.

Since the orientation relationship of the light emitting element ED ofthe display device 1_3 according to this embodiment may be substantiallythe same as the orientation relationship of the light emitting elementED of the display device 1_1 according to the embodiment of FIG. 12 ,the description thereof will be omitted.

An end and another end of each of the different light emitting elementsED may be electrically connected by the connection electrode CNE_3.

The connection electrode CNE_3 may be disposed on the light emittingelement ED. The connection electrode CNE_3 may include a firstconnection electrode CNE1_3, a second connection electrode CNE2_3, athird connection electrode CNE3_3, a fourth connection electrode CNE4_3,and a fifth connection electrode CNE5_3 that are disposed to be spacedapart from each other.

The first connection electrode CNE1_3 may include a first portion CNE1_3a extending substantially in the second direction DR2 and a secondportion CNE1_3 b extending in the fourth direction DR4 in the emissionarea EMA.

The first portion CNE1_3 a of the first connection electrode CNE1_3 maybe disposed on one side in the second direction DR2 in the emission areaEMA to overlap the first alignment electrode RME1_3 in the thirddirection DR3, and may be electrically connected to the first alignmentelectrode RME1_3 through the first contact portion CT1.

The second portion CNE1_3 b of the first connection electrode CNE1_3 maycontact an end ED_1 a of each of the first light emitting elements ED1.The second portion CNE1_3 b may extend in the fourth direction DR4, andmay extend to a portion in which the first passage EDA1_3 is disposed.In other words, the second portion CNE1_3 b may extend to only avicinity of the center of the emission area EMA, for example, a vicinityin which the first light emitting elements ED1 are arranged.

The second connection electrode CNE2_3 may have a curved shape in aninequality sign (>) shape protruding substantially toward one side inthe first direction DR1. The second connection electrode CNE2_3 mayserve to electrically connect another end ED1 b of the first lightemitting element ED1 with an end ED2 a of the second light emittingelement ED2. The second connection electrode CNE2_3 may include a firstportion CNE2_3 a extending in the fourth direction DR4 and the secondportion CNE2_3 b extending in the fifth direction DR5.

The first portion CNE2_3 a of the second connection electrode CNE2_3 maycontact another end ED1 b of each of the first light emitting elementsED1. The first portion CNE2_3 a may extend in the fourth direction DR4to a vicinity in which the second portion CNE1_3 b of the firstconnection electrode CNE1_3 extends, for example, to a vicinity in whichthe first light emitting elements ED1 are arranged.

The second portion CNE2_3 b of the second connection electrode CNE2_3may contact an end ED2 a of each of the second light emitting elementsED2. The second portion CNE2_3 b may extend in the fifth direction DR5to a vicinity in which the second light emitting elements ED2 arearranged, in the emission area EMA. The second portion CNE2_3 b may beconnected to the first portion CNE2_3 a across the separation spacebetween the first passage EDA1_3 and the second passage EDA2_3 describedabove.

The third connection electrode CNE3_3 may serve to electrically connectanother end ED2 b of the second light emitting element ED2 with an endED3 a of the third light emitting element ED3. The third connectionelectrode CNE3_3 may include a first portion CNE3_3 a extending in thefifth direction DR5, a second portion CNE3_3 b extending in the fourthdirection DR4, and a connection portion CNE3_3 c connecting the firstportion CNE3_3 a with the second portion CNE3_3 b.

The first portion CNE3_3 a of the third connection electrode CNE3_3 maycontact another end ED2 b of each of the second light emitting elementsED2. The first portion CNE3_3 a may extend in the fifth direction DR5 toa vicinity in which the second light emitting elements ED2 are arranged,in the emission area EMA. In other words, the first portion CNE3_3 a ofthe third connection electrode CNE3_3 may extend to a vicinity in whichthe second portion CNE2_3 b of the second connection electrode CNE2_3 isdisposed.

The second portion CNE3_3 b of the third connection electrode CNE3_3 maycontact an end ED3 a of each of the third light emitting elements ED3.The second portion CNE3_3 b may extend in the fourth direction DR4 to avicinity in which the third light emitting element ED3 is arranged inthe emission area EMA.

The connection portion CNE3_3 c of the third connection electrode CNE3_3may serve to connect the first portion CNE3_3 a with the second portionCNE3_3 b. The third connection electrode CNE3_3 may connect another sideof the first portion CNE3_3 a in the second direction DR2 with anotherside of the second portion CNE3_2 b in the second direction DR2. Thethird connection electrode CNE3_3 may extend in the first direction DR1to connect the first portion CNE3_3 a with the second portion CNE3_3 b.In some embodiments, the connection portion CNE3_3 c may be positionedon another side of the emission area EMA in the second direction DR2.

The fourth connection electrode CNE4_3 may have a curved shape in aninequality sign (<) shape protruding substantially toward the other sidein the first direction DR1. The fourth connection electrode CNE4_3 mayserve to electrically connect another end ED3 b of the third lightemitting element ED3 with an end ED4 a of the fourth light emittingelement ED4. The fourth connection electrode CNE4_3 may include thefirst portion CNE4_3 a extending in the fourth direction DR4 and asecond portion CNE4_3 b extending in the fifth direction DR5.

The first portion CNE4_3 a of the fourth connection electrode CNE4_3 maycontact another end ED3 b of each of the third light emitting elementsED3. The first portion CNE4_3 a may extend in the fourth direction DR4to a vicinity in which the second portion CNE3_3 b of the thirdconnection electrode CNE3_3 extends, for example, to a vicinity in whichthe third light emitting elements ED3 are arranged. The first portionCNE4_3 a may be connected to the second portion CNE4_3 b across theseparation space between the third passage EDA3_3 and the fourth passageEDA4_3 described above.

The second portion CNE4_3 b of the fourth connection electrode CNE4_3may contact an end ED4 a of each of the fourth light emitting elementsED4. The second portion CNE4_3 b may extend in the fifth direction DR5to a vicinity in which the fourth light emitting elements ED4 arearranged in the emission area EMA.

The fifth connection electrode CNE5_3 may include a first portion CNE5_3a extending substantially in the second direction DR2 and a secondportion CNE5_3 b extending in the fifth direction DR5 in the emissionarea EMA.

The first portion CNE5_3 a of the fifth connection electrode CNE5_3 mayoverlap the fourth alignment electrode RME4_3 in the third directionDR3, and may be electrically connected to the fourth alignment electrodeRME4_3 through the second contact portion CT2.

The second portion CNE5_3 b of the fifth connection electrode CNE5_3 maycontact another end ED1 b of each of the fourth light emitting elementsED4. The second portion CNE5_3 b may extend in the fifth direction DR5,and may extend to a portion in which the fourth passage EDA4_3 isdisposed. In other words, the second portion CNE5_3 b may extend to onlya vicinity of the center of the emission area EMA, for example, avicinity in which the fourth light emitting elements ED4 are arranged.

Similar to the case of the display device 1 according to an embodiment,the length of each of the first passage EDA1_3, the second passageEDA2_3, the third passage EDA3_3, and the fourth passage EDA4_3 in thefourth direction DR4 according to this embodiment may be substantiallyequal to or greater than a half of the length of the long side EMAb ofthe emission area EMA in the second direction DR2. A length L1_3 of thefirst passage EDA1_3 in the fourth direction DR4, a length L2_3 of thesecond passage EDA2_3 in the fifth direction DR5, a length L3_3 of thethird passage EDA3_3 in the fourth direction DR4, and a length L4_3 ofthe fourth passage EDA4_3 in the fifth direction DR5 may besubstantially equal to or greater than the length of the first width H1.

Each of the length L1_3 of the first passage EDA1_3 in the fourthdirection DR4, the length L2_3 of the second passage EDA2_3 in the fifthdirection DR5, the length L3_3 of the third passage EDA3_3 in the fourthdirection DR4, and the length L4_3 of the fourth passage EDA4_3 in thefifth direction DR5 may be substantially equal to or greater than about44 μm.

With the above-described configuration, the number of light emittingelements ED that provides the minimum luminous efficiency required bythe display device while the light emitting elements ED are freelydisposed, may be readily secured.

The above description is an example of technical features of thedisclosure, and those skilled in the art to which the disclosurepertains will be able to make various modifications and variations.Thus, the embodiments of the disclosure described above may beimplemented separately or in combination with each other.

Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the disclosure are not intendedto limit the technical spirit of the disclosure, but to describe thetechnical spirit of the disclosure, and the scope of the technicalspirit of the disclosure is not limited by these embodiments. Theprotection scope of the disclosure should be interpreted by thefollowing claims, and it should be interpreted that all technicalspirits within the equivalent scope are included in the scope of thedisclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A display device comprising: a bank disposed on asubstrate and defining an emission area; a first passage in which afirst light emitting element is disposed in the emission area; a secondpassage in which a second light emitting element is disposed in theemission area; a third passage in which a third light emitting elementis disposed in the emission area; and a fourth passage in which a fourthlight emitting element is disposed in the emission area, wherein theemission area has a rectangular shape comprising a first side extendingin a first direction and a second side extending in a second directionintersecting the first direction and having a length longer than thefirst side, and the first passage, the second passage, the thirdpassage, and the fourth passage are spaced apart from each other, andeach extends in a third direction intersecting the first direction andthe second direction.
 2. The display device of claim 1, wherein a lengthof each of the first passage, the second passage, the third passage, andthe fourth passage is substantially equal to or greater than one half ofa length of the second side of the emission area.
 3. The display deviceof claim 2, wherein the length of each of the first passage, the secondpassage, the third passage, and the fourth passage is substantiallyequal to or greater than about 44 μm.
 4. The display device of claim 1,wherein each of the first light emitting element, the second lightemitting element, the third light emitting element and the fourth lightemitting element comprises: an end having a first polarity; and anotherend having a second polarity different from the first polarity, and theanother end of the first light emitting element is electricallyconnected to the end of the second light emitting element, the anotherend of the second light emitting element is electrically connected tothe end of the third light emitting element, and the another end of thethird light emitting element is electrically connected to the end of thefourth light emitting element.
 5. The display device of claim 4, furthercomprising: an alignment electrode disposed between the substrate andthe bank, wherein the alignment electrode comprises: a first alignmentelectrode on which the end of the first light emitting element and theend of the second light emitting element are disposed; a secondalignment electrode on which the another end of the first light emittingelement, the another end of the second light emitting element, theanother end of the third light emitting element, and the another end ofthe fourth light emitting element are disposed; and a third alignmentelectrode on which the another end of the third light emitting elementand the another end of the fourth light emitting element are disposed,the first alignment electrode, the second alignment electrode, and thethird alignment electrode are spaced apart from each other, and eachextends in the third direction in the emission area, and the first lightemitting element, the second light emitting element, the third lightemitting element and the fourth light emitting element are spaced apartfrom each other.
 6. The display device of claim 5, further comprising: acircuit element layer disposed between the substrate and the alignmentelectrode, wherein the first alignment electrode is electricallyconnected to the circuit element layer and receives a first voltage, andthe second alignment electrode is electrically connected to the circuitelement layer and receives a second voltage.
 7. The display device ofclaim 6, further comprising: a first connection electrode electricallyconnected to the first alignment electrode and supplying the firstvoltage to the end of the first light emitting element; a secondconnection electrode that electrically connects the another end of thefirst light emitting element with the end of the second light emittingelement; a third connection electrode that electrically connects theanother end of the second light emitting element with the end of thethird light emitting element; a fourth connection electrode thatelectrically connects the another end of the third light emittingelement with the end of the fourth light emitting element; and a fifthconnection electrode electrically connected to the second alignmentelectrode and supplying the second voltage to the another end of thefourth light emitting element, wherein the first connection electrode,the second connection electrode, the third connection electrode, thefourth connection electrode, and the fifth connection electrode are eachspaced apart from each other.
 8. The display device of claim 7, whereinthe second connection electrode comprises: a first portion disposed onthe another end of the first light emitting element; a second portiondisposed on the end of the second light emitting element; and a firstconnection portion that connects the first portion with the secondportion, the fourth connection electrode comprises: a third portiondisposed on the end of the third light emitting element; a fourthportion disposed on the another end of the fourth light emittingelement; and a second connection portion that connects the third portionwith the fourth portion, the first connection portion passes through aseparation space between the first passage and the second passage, andthe second connection portion passes through a separation space betweenthe third passage and the fourth passage.
 9. The display device of claim8, wherein the first alignment electrode and the circuit element layerare electrically connected through a first contact hole that does notoverlap the emission area in plan view, the second alignment electrodeand the circuit element layer are electrically connected through asecond contact hole that does not overlap the emission area in planview, the first connection electrode and the first alignment electrodeare electrically connected through a third contact hole that does notoverlap the emission area in plan view, and the fifth connectionelectrode and the second alignment electrode are electrically connectedthrough a fourth contact hole that does not overlap the emission area inplan view.
 10. A display device comprising: a bank disposed on asubstrate and defining an emission area; a first passage in which afirst light emitting element is disposed in the emission area; a secondpassage in which a second light emitting element is disposed in theemission area; a third passage in which a third light emitting elementis disposed in the emission area; and a fourth passage in which a fourthlight emitting element is disposed in the emission area, wherein theemission area has a rectangular shape comprising a first side extendingin a first direction and a second side extending in a second directionintersecting the first direction and having a length longer than thefirst side, the first passage, the second passage, the third passage,and the fourth passage are spaced apart from each other, each of thefirst passage and the third passage extends in a third directionintersecting the first direction and the second direction, and each ofthe second passage and the fourth passage extends in a fourth directionintersecting the first direction, the second direction, and the thirddirection.
 11. The display device of claim 10, wherein a length of eachof the first passage, the second passage, the third passage, and thefourth passage is substantially equal to or greater than one half of alength of the second side of the emission area.
 12. The display deviceof claim 11, wherein the length of each of the first passage, the secondpassage, the third passage, and the fourth passage is substantiallyequal to or greater than about 44 μm.
 13. The display device of claim10, wherein each of the first light emitting element, the second lightemitting element, the third light emitting element and the fourth lightemitting element comprises: an end having a first polarity; and anotherend having a second polarity different from the first polarity, and theanother end of the first light emitting element is electricallyconnected to one the end of the second light emitting element, theanother end of the second light emitting element is electricallyconnected to the end of the third light emitting element, and theanother end of the third light emitting element is electricallyconnected to the end of the fourth light emitting element.
 14. Thedisplay device of claim 13, further comprising: an alignment electrodedisposed between the substrate and the bank, wherein the alignmentelectrode comprises: a first alignment electrode on which the end of thefirst light emitting element and the end of the second light emittingelement are disposed; a second alignment electrode on which the anotherend of the first light emitting element and the another end of thesecond light emitting element are disposed; a third alignment electrodeon which the end of the third light emitting element and the end of thefourth light emitting element are disposed; and a fourth alignmentelectrode on which the another end of the third light emitting elementand the another end of the fourth light emitting element are disposed,and the first alignment electrode, the second alignment electrode, thethird alignment electrode, and the fourth alignment electrode are spacedapart from each other.
 15. A display device comprising: a bank disposedon a substrate and defining an emission area; a first passage in which afirst light emitting element is disposed in the emission area; a secondpassage in which a second light emitting element is disposed in theemission area; a third passage in which a third light emitting elementis disposed in the emission area; and a fourth passage in which a fourthlight emitting element is disposed in the emission area, wherein theemission area has a rectangular shape comprising a first side extendingin a first direction and a second side extending in a second directionintersecting the first direction and having a length longer than thefirst side, and the first passage, the second passage, the thirdpassage, and the fourth passage each have a shape curved at least once,and are spaced apart from each other.
 16. The display device of claim15, wherein a length of each of the first passage, the second passage,the third passage, and the fourth passage is substantially equal to orgreater than one half of a length of the second side of the emissionarea.
 17. The display device of claim 16, wherein the length of each ofthe first passage, the second passage, the third passage, and the fourthpassage is substantially equal to or greater than about 44 μm.
 18. Thedisplay device of claim 15, wherein each of the first light emittingelement, the second light emitting element, the third light emittingelement and the fourth light emitting element comprises: an end having afirst polarity; and another end having a second polarity different fromthe first polarity, the another end of the first light emitting elementis electrically connected to the end of the second light emittingelement, the another end of the second light emitting element iselectrically connected to the end of the third light emitting element,and the another end of the third light emitting element is electricallyconnected to the end of the fourth light emitting element.
 19. Thedisplay device of claim 18, further comprising: an alignment electrodedisposed between the substrate and the bank, wherein the alignmentelectrode comprises: a first alignment electrode on which the end of thefirst light emitting element and the end of the second light emittingelement are disposed; a second alignment electrode on which the anotherend of the first light emitting element and the another end of thesecond light emitting element are disposed; a third alignment electrodeon which the end of the third light emitting element and another end ofthe fourth light emitting element are disposed; and a fourth alignmentelectrode on which the another end of the third light emitting elementand the another end of the fourth light emitting element are disposed,and the first alignment electrode, the second alignment electrode, thethird alignment electrode, and the fourth alignment electrode are spacedapart from each other.
 20. The display device of claim 19, wherein thefirst passage and the second passage are disposed in a separation spacebetween the first alignment electrode and the second alignmentelectrode, and the third passage and the fourth passage are disposed ina separation space between the second alignment electrode and the thirdalignment electrode.